KFA Issues Statement 3 Days After Referee Controversy, Admits to 'One Wrong Call'

The Korea Football Association (KFA) has released an official statement regarding the refereeing controversy that erupted during last weekend's professional football match between Suwon and Cheongju.

While the association acknowledged that not awarding a penalty kick to Suwon was a wrong call, it stated that there were no issues with the cancellation of the comeback goal.

In the 12th minute of the second half, Suwon's Bruno Moraes (Hais) was struck in the face by a Cheongju player inside the penalty box, but no foul was called against Cheongju.

The KFA's Referee Evaluation Committee apologized, stating that this incident was indeed a wrong call and that Cheongju should have been given a yellow card and Suwon a penalty kick.

However, the cancellation of Suwon's Dubičkas' late comeback goal just before the final whistle, which sparked the biggest controversy, was judged as a "correct decision."

The KFA explained that there were no procedural issues because the referee initially allowed the goal, but the fourth official subsequently pointed out a "pushing foul."

It added that at the time, "the original decisions of the on-field referees and the opinion of the VAR room were all unanimous on 'canceling the goal,' so it was not even subject to an on-field review."

Suwon stated regarding the association's decision, "We have decided not to issue an official statement."

(Video Editing: Park Jung-sam, Design: Kang Yoon-jung)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.