Conflict between Gangwon FC and Chuncheon City, which host the ACL home game, Chuncheon City should announce its intention to host the event VS CEO Kim Byung-ji should apologize
Apr 17, 2025
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Gangwon FC held a press conference on the venue of the ACL home game at the multipurpose room of Songam Sports Town Main Stadium in Chuncheon on the afternoon of the 17th. Gangwon, which won the runner-up prize unexpectedly last season, won its first ACL ticket. Gangwon began discussions with the Korean Professional Football Federation about the venue for the ACL home game at the end of last year. From February, they officially discussed the possibility of hosting the event through e-mail with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) through the federation.
Initially, Gangwon pushed for a home game in Gangneung. However, AFC notified that it is impossible to host Gangneung. AFC requires a straight distance from the international airport within 200km, access to the stadium within 150 minutes, and more than four domestic flights a day as conditions for hosting ACL home games. However, Gangneung does not meet this requirement. Yangyang International Airport is currently in a state where it is difficult to meet AFC's standards due to its unstable operation.
Gangwon immediately inquired about its intention to host the event with Chuncheon City. However, Chuncheon City announced on the 2nd that it would not be possible to hold an ACL home game due to facility conditions. Chuncheon City said it is difficult to secure the game schedule because it is planning to improve facilities on the premise that the second half of the K League 1 game will be held in Gangneung. Gangwon again asked about Chuncheon's position on the 9th.
Chuncheon City proposed a working-level meeting in an official document on the 14th and expressed its intention to consult with Gangwon FC through the media. Chuncheon Mayor Yuk Dong-han said in a press conference on the 15th that he will hold consultations for soccer fans and citizens"However, by playing the game, the financial aspect that the city cannot solve and the condition that a reasonable proposal should be made on the schedule of the game in the future must be met."
They demanded discussions on how to reduce costs due to ACL home games and how to hold Gangwon FC's regular schedule for the second half of the year at the recommendation. In particular, he highlighted the justification that Gangwon FC's exclusive stadium, which is in a state of stagnation, should be attracted to Chuncheon in connection with the hosting of the home game.
At this press conference, CEO Kim said "Kangwon FC prioritized whether Gangneung will be held in accordance with the agreement between Gangneung City and the club that the ACL will be held in Gangneung." Some point out that the burden on Chuncheon has increased by starting the consultation now, but I think it is a natural step to first grasp the intention of Chuncheon, another home game venue of the K League 1, after Gangneung was judged not to be able to host the event" he said. Then "I would like to ask if it is right to pass Chuncheon and find out about the third area."," he added.
I would like to ask if Gangwon FC is really willing to host Chuncheon City. Gangwon FC had to hear Chuncheon City's position through the media. Gangwon FC did its best to explain the current situation, thinking that consultation with Chuncheon City and ACL hosting in Gangwon-do are the priority"Only if you clearly state your intention to host the home game in Chuncheon can Gangwon FC move on to the next step." If it is not possible, please clearly express your intention so that the club can find the next alternative, he urged Chuncheon City to make a decision.
"If we look at Chuncheon City's preconditions for hosting the ACL Stadium, we don't know whether it wants to host the ACL home game or not," Kim said. I understand the importance of harmony among the residents emphasized by the owner and have managed the club without discrimination between local governments even if there are difficulties in management"This issue has nothing to do with the soccer stadium mentioned by Chuncheon City. I make it very clear that it is a matter of will." "If Chuncheon City does not intend to host the ACL, the club will have no choice but to doubt whether it is willing to host the K League 1 next year." Finally, he added "The club's will is firm. If Chuncheon says it can't afford to pay for the hosting, the club will pay that much," he stressed.
Chuncheon City then demanded an official apology from CEO Kim for the press conference. Chuncheon City responded in a statement later in the day by saying, 'The city received a single A4 document from Gangwon FC on the 28th of last month asking for a reply of its intention to hold the ACL.' It is a hasty and unilateral request to request a reply by the 2nd of this month without a detailed plan or proposal to hold the ACL.
Kangwon FC then pushed ahead with a unilateral press conference even before the working-level discussions began in earnest, claiming that the club did not even cooperate with the request for adjustment of the game schedule. Chuncheon City complained that CEO Kim's comparison of the number of spectators not directly related to the ACL, season ticket sales, and stadium management is disparaging citizens who have been making continuous efforts to create the Gangwon FC boom.
However, the room for negotiations has been left open. Chuncheon City urged 'The city will engage in working-level consultations to hold ACLs, and Gangwon FC should also engage in sincere consultations'
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
