Lee Keun-ho named as head of football players’ union

Korean veteran forward Lee Keun-ho has been named chief of the country’s professional football players’ union, officials here said Wednesday.

Lee Keun-ho

FIFPro Korea said Lee, who now plays for Ulsan Hyundai FC in the K League 1, was appointed president of the organization after its general assembly earlier this month.

Lee made his pro debut in 2004 with Incheon United and has played for seven K League 1 clubs throughout his career. The 33-year-old also had stints in Japan and Qatar. Lee, who has 19 goals in 84 international appearances, is also known for his charity football events in Korea.

FIFPro Korea added that with Lee leading the organization, Suwon Samsung Bluewings midfielder Yeom Ki-hun and FC Seoul defender Yun Suk-young have been newly named to the organization’s board of directors. They will join current directors Jung Sung-ryong, Kim Shin-wook, Kim Han-sup and Kwak Hee-ju. Jung and Kim Shin-wook are active players who play for the Japanese Kawasaki Frontale and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, respectively.

FIFPro Korea said with new executives it will further help protect football players’ rights and will lead the players’ engagement in social development.

The Korean professional football players’ union officially became a candidate member of FIFPro, the only players’ association recognized by FIFA, in 2017.

Yonhap