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

South Korean professional footballers have called for stronger heat protections following a survey revealing many players suffer from dehydration, dizziness, and lapses in consciousness during competitions. A survey of 536 players from the K League and WK League during a summer where pitch temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius found that 86.2% experienced significant physical strain.

Nearly two-thirds reported dizziness during matches or training, and 56.6% had severe dehydration, with 13% experiencing temporary loss of consciousness. KPFA President Lee Keun-ho, a former national team player, stated the findings are a "glaring red flag" and urged the Korea Football Association (KFA), K League, and WK League to introduce mandatory heat protocols.

The union claims current safeguards are insufficient and over half of the respondents were dissatisfied with the current cooling-break system. Nearly 90% supported changes to match operations during extreme heat, with more than half favoring later kick-off times or postponing/cancelling matches during heat advisories. KPFA Women's President Ji So-yun highlighted the additional difficulties faced by women players, who often compete during the hottest part of the day on artificial surfaces without proper air-conditioned facilities.

The union suggested a broader discussion on South Korea's football schedule, with some players advocating for an autumn-spring schedule.