Tunis:The national football federation has called for an end to personal attacks on players, emphasizing that such behavior does not benefit the sport.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Football Association (KFA) issued a statement addressing the recent spread of "unverified information and speculative assertions" on social media and online communities regarding the men's national team. Rumors of internal conflicts have emerged, particularly after a friendly match against Uzbekistan. It was reported that three players, all born in 1996—Hwang Hee-chan, Hwang In-beom, and Kim Min-jae—expressed their desire to retire from international play due to frustrations with the leadership, which includes longtime captain Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung.
The KFA acknowledged the varied opinions and constructive criticism from fans but expressed deep concern over the circulation of groundless rumors and vitriolic comments bordering on libel. The association highlighted incidents where moments from training or players' everyday activities were misrepresented, and deepfake clips were used to ridicule players. Personal attacks on players' and clubs' social media accounts were also noted as a significant issue, posing psychological stress on the athletes.
Furthermore, the KFA promised a strong response against the unauthorized use of its intellectual property, such as video clips and photos, to propagate false information. The federation stressed the importance of respecting each team member and the necessity of recognizing differences, exchanging views, and finding the best direction for the team as part of building a healthy organization.
The KFA committed to supporting players so they can focus on their matches, acknowledging the concerns of fans amid the ongoing situation. It pledged to listen to players while also accepting diverse opinions and criticisms from the public.