South Korea’s Sports Ministry to Inspect Football Pitches Following Son Heung-min’s Criticism

 In response to concerns raised by national team captain Son Heung-min regarding the substandard condition of football pitches, South Korea’s sports ministry has announced plans to conduct comprehensive inspections of playing surfaces across the country. 

Son highlighted that poor pitch conditions adversely affected the team’s performance during recent home World Cup qualifiers, including 1-1 draws against Oman and Jordan. ​

The ministry emphasized the critical role that pitch quality plays in player performance, injury prevention, and overall spectator satisfaction. Collaborating with the domestic K League and stadium management authorities, the ministry aims to establish enhanced maintenance systems to ensure optimal playing conditions. Inspections are scheduled to commence in April, targeting 27 stadiums nationwide

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of players and improving the overall standard of football infrastructure in South Korea. By prioritizing pitch quality, authorities seek to support the national team’s preparations and bolster their performance in upcoming international competitions.​