South Korean footballers report heat-related symptoms, call for stronger safeguards

South Korean footballers are calling for stronger safeguards against extreme heat after a survey revealed many players suffer from dehydration, dizziness and temporary loss of consciousness during competitions. The Korea Pro-Footballers Association (KPFA) survey of 536 players from the K League and WK League found that 86.2% experienced significant physical strain while playing in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees F).

Nearly two-thirds (64.7%) reported dizziness, while 56.6% suffered severe dehydration, and 13% had lapses in consciousness. KPFA President Lee Keun-ho, a former national team player, stated that the incident is a "glaring red flag" and urged the Korea Football Association (KFA), K League and WK League to introduce mandatory heat protocols, as the current safeguards are inadequate.

Almost half of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current cooling-break system, which typically provides only a brief three-minute break once temperatures reach a certain threshold. Nearly 90% supported changes to match operations during extreme heat, with more than half favoring later kick-off times and others backing postponements or cancellations when heat advisories are in effect.

KPFA Women's President Ji So-yun highlighted that women players often face additional challenges, with matches sometimes scheduled during the hottest part of the day on artificial surfaces and without adequate air-conditioned changing facilities. The KPFA concluded that the findings should prompt a broader discussion on South Korea's football calendar, with some players advocating for a switch to an autumn-spring schedule.