Jesse Lingard summoned to discuss Seoul World Cup Stadium pitch issues

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Jesse Lingard summoned to discuss Seoul World Cup Stadium pitch issues

Published: 09 Oct. 2024, 15:53 Updated: 09 Oct. 2024, 16:51

FC Seoul midfielder Jesse Lingard, left, dribbles the ball during the K League 1 match against Suwon FC at Seoul World Cup Stadium in western Seoul on Sept. 29. [NEWS1]

FC Seoul midfielder Jesse Lingard has received the call to appear before a parliamentary audit for the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Oct. 15 to discuss the alleged mismanagement of the Seoul World Cup Stadium pitch, which has drawn criticism from players for its poor quality.

The stadium, home to FC Seoul, has faced scrutiny after weather conditions and the hosting of multiple concerts have seemingly left the pitch in poor shape. An FC Seoul official said Tuesday that the club received an official request from the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee, selecting Lingard as a testifier for the audit.

The decision to summon the English midfielder follows lawmaker Wi Seong-gon's call to hear players’ opinions regarding the pitch.

Korean national team captain Son Heung-min expressed concerns after the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Palestine last month, stating that the pitch quality directly affects players' performance and risk of injury. Lingard also voiced his concerns after a K League match against Suwon FC on Sept. 29, stressing the importance of playing on a well-maintained field.

Amid growing criticism, the Korea Football Association opted to move the 2026 World Cup qualifier between Korea and Iraq, originally scheduled for Seoul World Cup Stadium, to Yongin Mireu Stadium in Gyeonggi.

Though Lingard has been summoned, there is no penalty for testifiers who do not appear. However, witnesses who fail to appear before the National Assembly without a valid reason face a potential three-year sentence or a fine ranging from 10 to 30 million won ($7,400 to $22,100).

As of press time Wednesday, Lingard has yet to confirm whether he plans to attend.

BY LEE JI-YOUNG [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]