South Korean Soccer Team Faces Backlash Over Plan for Fans to Cover Charter Flight Costs

The South Korean national soccer team is facing severe criticism from fans.

In the final Asian qualifying round for the North and Central America World Cup scheduled for 2026, South Korea (ranked 23rd by FIFA) surprisingly drew 0-0 against lower-ranked Palestine (ranked 96th) in their opening match on September 5. Although they won 3-1 against Oman (ranked 76th) on September 10, discontent among supporters is growing over the uncertain path toward their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance.

“Despite playing at home against Palestine, it ended in a draw. At the stadium, there were intense jeers directed at coach Hong Myung-bo and the players, such as ‘Quit!’ The players do not seem to be in top condition. They give the impression that they are not performing at their best,” said an editor of a soccer magazine.

Various South Korean media outlets point out the disparity in support systems compared to Japan (ranked 18th). Publications like Dong-A highlight the difference by citing charter flights, reporting that there is a “sky-high difference compared to rival Japan.

 

Each person is limited to 1 million won with 100 people

“Japan arranged a charter flight returning from Belgium for players based in European teams for the match against China (ranked 87th) held at home on September 5. They won decisively with a score of 7-0. In the away match against Bahrain (ranked 80th) on September 10, they also traveled by charter flight to their opponent’s territory and achieved a 5-0 victory. Although the financial situation of the Japan Football Association is by no means good, they provide maximum support considering the players’ condition.

On the other hand, South Korea used a regular flight with a layover in Doha, Qatar, for the away match against Oman on the 10th. South Korea, which is in Group B with five Middle Eastern countries including Iraq (ranked 55th) and Jordan (ranked 68th), will have to travel over 60,000 kilometers in total. The time difference is also 5 to 6 hours. Even though South Korea has the highest FIFA ranking in Group B, it is undoubtedly a challenging schedule. Concerns about the players’ condition have been raised for some time,” said the same source.

The Korea Football Association understands the difficult situation and has finally taken action. They have decided to use a charter flight for the away match against Jordan on October 10 and the subsequent home match against Iraq on the 15th. However, this decision has sparked significant outrage.

“The cost is said to be around 800 million won (approximately 85 million yen), and there is a plan to have fans cover part of this expense. The Korea Football Association announced that they will sell support tickets to fans. According to South Korean media outlet MHN Sports, the tickets are priced at 1 million won (approximately 106,000 yen) and are limited to 100 people. Fans will travel on the charter flight to Jordan along with the players and stay there.

Criticism from fans has emerged online. Comments include, ‘There is no privacy for the players, making the charter flight meaningless’ and ‘They are selling the players’ precious time for 1 million won.’ With the Korea Football Association’s delayed response, fan dissatisfaction is on the verge of exploding. Although many players may not voice it, there are likely many who are not satisfied,” said a South Korean newspaper reporter.

The final Asian qualifiers will continue until June of next year. In order to secure a place in the main tournament, the Korea Football Association is expected to establish a player-first system.