The Korea Pro Footballers Association (KPFA) has released a survey showing that numerous professional players experience serious health issues when competing in extreme heat, urging governing bodies to strengthen player protection regulations.
The survey, conducted among 536 K League and WK League players during the summer when pitch temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, found that 86.2% of respondents reported significant physical strain while playing in hot conditions. Nearly two-thirds (64.7%) complained of dizziness during matches or training sessions, 56.6% suffered severe dehydration, and 13% had experienced temporary loss of consciousness.
KPFA Chairman Lee Keun-ho, a former national team player, emphasized: “The fact that over 70 players have experienced dizziness, dehydration, and even temporary loss of consciousness is a clear wake-up call.”
The Korea Football Association (KFA) stated that player health and safety remain an “absolute top priority” and acknowledged the concerns raised by the players’ association. The governing body said it is taking steps to mitigate heat-related risks, including adjusting match schedules and enhancing in-game cooling break procedures. However, it also admitted to some logistical difficulties.
“Although we face certain practical constraints, including stadium availability and a congested match calendar, the KFA continuously monitors weather conditions and makes every effort to prevent any heat-related incidents,” the KFA said in a statement.
Nearly half of the surveyed players expressed dissatisfaction with the current cooling break system, which allows only a three-minute break when temperatures exceed a set threshold. Almost 90% supported changes to how matches are conducted in extreme heat. More than half suggested delaying kickoff times, while others backed postponing or canceling matches when heat warnings are issued.
Female players face additional challenges, as many matches are scheduled during the hottest part of the day on artificial turf and at venues without fully air-conditioned changing rooms, according to the women’s players’ association. Its president, Ji So-yun, said: “Playing under the scorching sun on artificial turf that absorbs and radiates heat is essentially pushing athletes into a furnace. Just as professional baseball proactively cancels games due to heat, football needs to stop adhering rigidly to schedules and truly prioritize player health and safety.”
The KPFA said the survey results should also spark a broader discussion about Korea’s football calendar, with many players in favor of shifting from a fall-to-spring schedule.
