Xinhua News Agency, Chengdu, May 30 (reporter Li Hualiang) the reporter learned from the Chengdu Football Association on the 30th that, south Korea team leader, head coach, involved players and so on solemnly apologized for the insult made by a player of the Korean men’s football U18 team to the trophy after the award ceremony of the “Panda Cup” International Youth Football Championship on 29th. At the same time, the organizing committee of the event decided to withdraw the championship trophy won by the South Korean team this time.
On the morning of that day, the South Korean team leader, head coach, and players involved came to the Panda Cup organizing committee and apologized to the organizing committee again.
The head coach of the South Korean team, Jin Zhengxiu, expressed his gratitude to the “Panda Cup” organizing committee for the careful organization and reception of the event, and deeply apologized for some indecent and lack of respect done by individual players of the team. The Korean Football Association has started the punishment process for players involved, and the punishment results will be released immediately. The Korean Football Association will take further measures to prevent similar incidents. As the head of the team, he is also the main responsible person for this incident, and he is deeply guilty about it.
The player involved, Park Guixian, also apologized again: “I sincerely apologize to everyone again and express my deep apology for my inappropriate behavior. My behavior has no intention of offending, I hope everyone can forgive.”
At the same time, it was decided by the “Panda Cup” organizing committee to withdraw the championship trophy won by the South Korean team this time. The relevant person in charge of the organizing committee said that “Panda Cup” was an international football brand event founded by Chengdu under the strong support of the Chinese Football Association. After six efforts, the event and related activities have been highly recognized by international organizations, it is very popular among many countries and regions and the majority of fans. No teams and players who violate sports ethics and spirit are welcome to participate in the competition.
After the incident happened on the evening of 29th, the organizing committee of the event immediately made solemn protest and negotiation to the Korean participating teams. The Korean team also realized the adverse consequences caused by the incident, immediately after returning to the hotel, a news briefing was held. The team member Park Guixian, the head coach and all the team members made a public apology to the media and the public. The Korean Football Association also sent a letter of apology to the organizing committee later. The organizing committee also submitted a report on the handling of the incident to the Chinese Football Association as soon as possible.
The Chinese Football Association attaches great importance to this, pays close attention to and tracks this incident, and denounces the non-sports moral behavior of South Korean players insulting the tournament trophy. The Chinese Football Association reported the situation to the Asian Football Association on the morning of the 30th and instructed the organizing committee to take further measures on the immoral behavior of South Korean players insulting the trophy.