South Korea footballers urge safety after extreme heat statistics
Summary
South Korean professional football players reported many cases of dehydration, dizziness, and fainting during games held in extreme heat. The players' union called for stronger heat safety rules, while the Korea Football Association said it is working to improve player safety through schedule changes and cooling breaks.Key Facts
- A survey of 536 South Korean professional footballers showed 86.2% experienced major physical strain from playing in heat over 40°C (104°F).
- About 64.7% reported dizziness, 56.6% had severe dehydration, and 13% experienced temporary loss of consciousness.
- The Korea Pro-Footballers Association (KPFA) wants mandatory heat protocols, saying current safety rules are not enough.
- The Korea Football Association (KFA) said player safety is its top priority and is adjusting match times and enforcing cooling breaks.
- Nearly half of players are unhappy with the current short cooling breaks during matches.
- Around 90% of players support changes to match rules in extreme heat, including later start times and postponements during heat warnings.
- Women players face extra difficulties playing on hot artificial surfaces and venues without proper air conditioning.
- The KPFA also suggests discussing changes to the football season to avoid the hottest months.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
