Pro Volleyball Santangelo and Onai "Will Leave Korea"... Impact of COVID-19

Santangelo leaving Samsung Fire (left)/Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads, two foreign players competing in the Korean professional volleyball league have expressed their intention to leave Korea.

On the 4th, the men's professional volleyball team Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance announced, "Foreign player Andres Santangelo (26, Italy) left the team today. Since it is uncertain when the regular season will resume, Santangelo wanted to leave Korea."

They added, "We agreed with the player's intention. The club and the player reached a good agreement and parted ways with smiles."

Santangelo also posted a farewell message on his social networking service (SNS), saying, "With the help of many people, I had a good experience in Korea."

Adora Onai of IBK Industrial Bank of Korea / Photo by Korea Volleyball Federation

On the same day, Adora Anae (24, USA) of the women's professional volleyball team IBK Industrial Bank sent a document to the club requesting dismissal. The document reportedly stated that it was difficult to continue her career as a player in Korea due to the spread of COVID-19.

Anae said, "The issue of leaving the team is due to the spread of COVID-19, so I am not at fault. I request compensation for the remaining salary."

She also expressed her intention to file a complaint against the club with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) if her demands are not met.

A representative of the IBK Industrial Bank team said, "Although the remaining salary is not much, it is difficult to meet her demands. If we grant benefits to Anae, it could have a significant impact on other foreign players and potentially destabilize the entire league."

Earlier, officials from 13 professional volleyball teams requested the Korea Volleyball Federation to suspend the league as COVID-19 spread nationwide.