Japanese media has offered a baseless opinion regarding an administrative error by Gwangju FC. They claim that Son Heung-min (Tottenham) has been deprived of participating in the World Cup.

On 22nd, the Korea Football Association (KFA) announced through an official document received from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) that the ban on player registration imposed on Gwangju FC has been lifted. The fine of $3,000 (4.11 million won) related to Asani's solidarity contribution was paid late, resulting in the withdrawal of the disciplinary action. The association announced, based on this, that "the registration of players in Gwangju has become possible again." However, this document only resolves the 'past disciplinary reasons' and is unrelated to post-judgment regarding the participation of unqualified players.

The issue arose because Gwangju FC was unable to pay the $3,000 solidarity contribution that occurred when they acquired Asani last year. Gwangju attempted to transfer the money but failed due to fees and differences in decimals, and the payment was delayed due to the absence of the staff member involved. As a result, FIFA imposed a ban on player registration.

However, the problem lies in the fact that this disciplinary action was not properly communicated to the Gwangju club. The KFA sent the relevant information via email, but the responsible person was on leave, and the email was not even opened. In this vacuum, Gwangju assumed their players were registered normally and participated in the K League, Korea Cup, and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) stage.

The KFA stated, "We apologize for the confusion caused by administrative procedural shortcomings," but did not provide a structural explanation for systematic flaws. Furthermore, the Korea Professional Football League also clarified that it had not received the FIFA disciplinary letter, revealing the reality of a 'leaky league operation' where the disciplinary target club independently determined and fielded players.

The controversy over the participation of unqualified players shakes the foundation of the football world. However, the Korea Professional Football League stated that it would be difficult to overturn Gwangju's match results, citing league regulations that state, "If no objection is made within 48 hours, the results are recognized." This provision is a simple match result clause and cannot serve as a means of evading responsibility for the participation of unqualified players.

The document sent by FIFA this time has notified the lifting of the ban on player registration along with the confirmation of the solidarity contribution payment. However, this does not justify Gwangju's 'participation of unqualified players' in previous matches.

Even the KFA official acknowledged the essence of the problem, saying, "Regardless of the FIFA document, some players in Gwangju are fundamentally in an unqualified state." Nevertheless, it is currently in a situation where participation restrictions are being deferred in the interest of "league stability and waiting for FIFA's position in the future."

Despite the controversy over the participation of unqualified players, Gwangju employed the same players in the Korea Cup match against Suwon FC and in the league match against Pohang.

Pohang has lodged an objection regarding the match, and the Korea Professional Football League stated that it is currently under review by the legal team. According to Article 33, Section 2 of the Korea Professional Football League regulations, if an objection is raised within 48 hours after the match, a forfeiture may be imposed if an unqualified player participated. Pohang has made a formal request accordingly.

The KFA is currently "awaiting FIFA's official stance" and is withholding its decision.

Japanese media outlets are seizing the opportunity to maintain an intense atmosphere.

The World reported, "Gwangju, which has shown a surge in ACLE, may face sanctions due to the issue of fraudulent player registrations. Gwangju did not pay the solidarity contribution and already in December, FIFA imposed a ban on strengthening its squad. There are stories that fraudulent players played in the game's victory against Vissel Kobe," expressing shock.

This is not just a problem for one team in Gwangju. Since the KFA is involved, there is a possibility that sanctions may be imposed on the entire Korean football community. Japanese media outlets, including The World, have raised the issue, stating, "The KFA is obligated to provide evidence of compliance with the ban on registration to FIFA. Failure to prove this may lead to potential sanctions. There is a possibility that Korea could be excluded from all international competitions hosted by FIFA and the AFC. This means that Son Heung-min may not participate in his last World Cup."

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