Seoul: The Korea Professional Football League (K League) slapped the top-division club FC Anyang with a fine of 10 million won (US$7,360) on Thursday over their owner's public criticism of officiating.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the league stated that FC Anyang owner Choi Dae-ho, who is also the mayor of Anyang on the southern outskirts of Seoul, violated rules that prevent players, coaches, and club officials from making negative comments on officiating or referees in media interviews or on social media.
Choi held a press conference on May 20 to blast what he claimed was biased officiating. He argued that FC Anyang had been receiving unfavorable calls because they are not as affluent as other clubs owned by large corporations. Choi also requested the K League to amend rules that ban criticism of referees.
The league office quickly responded to Choi's claim that rules would apply differently to clubs depending on their financial standings and promptly initiated disciplinary proceedings against FC Anyang.
FC Anyang won the second-tier K League 2 last season, earning their first-ever promotion to the top-tier K League 1 for this year. Currently, they are in eighth place among 12 clubs with 21 points from 18 matches, standing five points above the relegation zone.
Previously, they were fined 2 million won in July 2023 after Choi had criticized referees on social media. FC Anyang may appeal the latest league decision within seven days.