{
  "id": 17018047,
  "title": "Players at center of friction controversy called up for men's football friendlies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/players-at-center-of-friction-controversy-called-up-for-mens-football",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T06:12:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/sports/20261029/players-at-center-of-friction-controversy-called-up-for-mens-football-friendlies"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cheonan — The team principal figures embroiled in the apparent discord on the men's national football squad have all been called up for the forthcoming friendly games. Robert Moreno, the temporary head coach of the Taegeuk Warriors, has unveiled his 26-player roster for clashes against Saudi Arabia on November 13 and Qatar on November 17, set to be played in Doha. The roster comprises defender Kim Min-jae, midfielder Hwang In-beom, and winger Hwang Hee-chan. These three players were allegedly vocal about their intention to retire from international football following their recent defeat against Uzbekistan on October 6, reportedly due to their dissatisfaction with the team's veteran captain, Son Heung-min. Notably, Son remains part of the team. At a press conference held at the Korea Football Park in Cheonan, approximately 80 kilometers south of Seoul, Moreno affirmed that Son will retain his captaincy role. Moreno further disclosed that he has conversed with all the players and made his squad selections based purely on their recent performances and the value each brings to the national team.",
  "summary": "CHEONAN — All principal figures caught in the controversy surrounding apparent friction on the men's national football team were selected for the upcoming friendly matches Thursday. Robert Moreno, temporary head coach for the Taegeuk Warriors, named his 26-man squad for matches against Saudi Arabia on Nov. 13 and Qatar on Nov. 17 — both set to take place in Doha. The list included defender Kim…",
  "key_points": [
    "Robert Moreno named 26-player roster for friendlies.",
    "Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom, Hwang Hee-chan selected.",
    "Team principal says Son Heung-min retains captaincy."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Retaining both the disputed veteran captain and the dissenting players signals a management strategy that prioritizes individual performance and squad depth over resolving internal interpersonal tensions.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "Players at center of friction controversy called up for men's football friendlies",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/players-at-center-of-friction-controversy-called-up-for-mens-football-17020611",
        "published": "2026-10-29T05:48:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}