Korea looks to relocate October World Cup qualifier against Iraq due to pitch issues

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Korea looks to relocate October World Cup qualifier against Iraq due to pitch issues

Published: 25 Sep. 2024, 10:00

Yongin Mireu Stadium in Yongin, Gyeonggi [YONGIN URBAN CORPORATION]

The Korean football federation said Tuesday it will seek to move an October World Cup qualifying match from Seoul World Cup Stadium to a different venue, citing its poor pitch conditions.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) said it will ask the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to approve the change of venue to Yongin Mireu Stadium in Yongin, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the capital, when the Taegeuk Warriors host Iraq on Oct. 15. It will be Korea's fourth match of Group B in the third round of the AFC qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Korean players complained of the patchy and bumpy pitch of the Seoul venue after settling for a goalless draw against underdogs Palestine to open the third round on Sept. 5.

Seoul World Cup Stadium, despite its reputation as the mecca of Korean football since opening ahead of the 2002 World Cup, has long dealt with spotty pitch conditions. In addition to serving as the home of K League 1 club FC Seoul and hosting national team matches, the stadium also holds music concerts and other non-sporting events.

It hosted concerts by K-pop star IU over the weekend.

"After inspecting the pitch at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Monday, we decided the conditions wouldn't improve in time for the next World Cup qualifying match, even if we use all measures available at hand," the KFA said in a statement. "Once we have all the details finalized, we will send an official request to the AFC to change the venue."

Yongin Mireu Stadium currently hosts home matches for the K League 2 club Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Despite hosting a match on Sunday, the pitch was in good shape on Monday, the KFA said.

"Even with two more K League 2 matches scheduled there before the World Cup qualifier, we decided the pitch would remain in fine condition, given the current weather conditions," the KFA said.

The KFA added that the AFC will send officials to Yongin Mireu for an on-site check before approving the switch.

Yonhap