Controversy Over 'Special Privilege Regulation' for P-Level Soccer Coach Certification... Association Says "Prior Notice Given" (Comprehensive)

Soccer training scene, unrelated to the article content [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The football community is in turmoil over the acquisition process of the 'P-level license,' the highest grade among the coaching licenses that Korean football coaches can obtain, amid controversy over 'emperor privileges.' Critics argue that certain individuals, including key figures who played a pivotal role in the 'Top 4 legend' of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, can easily receive the license even if they do not meet the qualifications, due to a regulation that allows such exceptions, which is seen as unfair.

According to combined reports and tips gathered on the 6th, the Korea Football Association (KFA) is expected to announce the successful candidates for the P-level license as early as this week. The P-level is the highest tier of football coaching licenses available domestically. The levels progress from D (lowest), to C, B, A, and then P. From the P-level, coaches can manage professional football teams in Korea as well as national teams as head coaches or assistants. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also recognizes the P-level license, allowing holders to coach top-tier league teams and national teams across Asia.

However, a problematic clause has been added to the P-level license issuance regulations stating that among applicants who have played more than 50 matches in official international matches (A matches), contributed to the nation, and have top-level recognized experience, two applicants can be granted the license immediately. The vague criteria such as 'national contribution' have sparked debates over fairness, and coaches who have taken the P-level course have revealed that the association did not properly notify them of this regulation, fueling controversy.

A football industry insider said, "The 50 A-match game rule was not present when the applications were first accepted, but the association suddenly introduced it during the training sessions." This means the association created the rule arbitrarily without prior explanation. "Because of this, some coaches expressed dissatisfaction, questioning if there are others who have contributed to the nation through football. There is concern about who among the coaches who earnestly participated in the selection process might be disadvantaged." The association's online materials for the 'Next Year’s P-level Training Online Briefing,' posted on their website in September, also do not mention this regulation.

As a result, there is growing suspicion among coaches that the association secretly created this rule to grant 'privileges' to certain individuals. There are rumors that this was essentially designed to easily issue P-level licenses to the key figures and famous personalities from the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup Top 4 team.

On the afternoon of June 2nd, before the friendly match between Korea and Brazil at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Ahn Jung-hwan is presenting a bouquet to Son Heung-min at the ceremony awarding Son Heung-min the Cheongryong Medal of Sports Merit.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The list of successful candidates expected to be announced this week reportedly includes football commentator Ahn Jung-hwan and Cha Doo-ri, head of youth development at FC Seoul. Additionally, there are shocking rumors that a first-division professional football league coach, referred to as Mr. A, who urgently needed the P-level license, pressured the association through a member of the National Assembly from the club’s home district. This reflects the significant distrust within the football community regarding the P-level license issuance process.

There are also indications that the association prepared in advance to grant the P-level license to specific individuals, further fueling the controversy. Recently, the association sent an email to the AFC inquiring whether they could increase the number of P-level licensees from the existing 24 to 25 and is currently awaiting a response.

Regarding this, the association explained to this publication, "P-level qualification requires applicants, including those who meet the quota of over 50 A-match games, to complete the course, pass the exam, and present a thesis, just like other participants. This was announced during the online briefing for the 2023 P-level course applicants held on September 22." They also added, "The 2023 P-level course selection committee held five discussions and finalized the detailed rules revision on July 17, which was then announced in the online briefing."

There are conflicting explanations about the successful candidates to be announced in early November. Coaches believe that the announcement will be for those who completed the P-level course that began in March. However, the association states that the P-level course spans two years, and the upcoming announcement is for those who passed the application for the 2023 course. This means that Ahn and Cha were not immediately granted the P-level license but were accepted as students for next year’s course. The 50 A-match game rule also applies only to next year’s applicants, according to the association.