South Korea To Review Football Pitches Following Son Heung-Min’s Criticism

South Korean authorities announced on Thursday that they will inspect elite-level football pitches nationwide after national team captain Son Heung-min blamed poor playing surfaces for hindering their World Cup aspirations.

Concerns over subpar pitches have been ongoing in South Korean football, with former Manchester United and England forward Jesse Lingard, now playing for FC Seoul, also voicing his frustration.

This month, two home World Cup qualifiers were relocated from Seoul due to the deteriorating condition of the capital’s stadium turf, but Son also criticized the alternative venues.

“When we’re at home we’re supposed to enjoy the best playing conditions possible but things have not improved at all,” Son told reporters after Tuesday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Jordan in Suwon.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism announced that it will conduct a thorough inspection of pitches at all 27 K League stadiums starting in April.

Officials will also study how other countries, including Japan, maintain their playing surfaces to improve pitch conditions in South Korea.

“The condition of a stadium’s pitch directly affects not only player performance but also injury prevention and spectator satisfaction,” a ministry official said.