"Soccer Association Refutes 'Favoritism' Controversy: 'How Could We Hire Unqualified Personnel?'"

Trainer Andeoksoo, Who Accompanied the World Cup Team, Responds to Allegations

Korea National Football Team and trainer Andeoksoo (center, white short-sleeve T-shirt). Photo by trainer Andeoksoo Instagram

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] The Korea Football Association (KFA) responded to the personal rehabilitation trainer of the South Korean national football team captain Son Heung-min (30, Tottenham), Ahn Deok-su, who posted an expos? targeting the KFA medical team on social media, stating, "He could not be hired because his national physical therapist license was not renewed."

On the 7th, a KFA official explained, "He was also the personal rehabilitation trainer for Son Heung-min during a previous A-match," adding, "The association requires a physical therapist license to hire someone. This person’s license was not renewed, so the association could not hire him."

He continued, "Since Son Heung-min was injured this time, we cooperated to reserve a separate floor in the same hotel as the team. We offered to cover the costs, but I understand he declined," and added, "Other players also had trust and faith in him, but I think there is dissatisfaction about being treated as 'unofficial.'"

The KFA official stated, "When we posted a job opening in the related field last year, he did not apply. We can only hire if the license issue is resolved," and said, "We will comprehensively review the situation after the team returns."

On the 6th, Trainer Ahn posted on his Instagram, "Room 2701 (team accommodation) has seen many things. We must reflect on and improve this situation for the future of Korean football," adding, "Having spent nearly 20 years in professional football, I cannot help but think about the future of Korean football. Changes must be made, and we must not just take care of our own."

Trainer Ahn is known to have managed the physical condition of the South Korean national football team and players during the 2022 Qatar World Cup as Son Heung-min’s personal trainer, separate from the KFA medical team. It is reported that the accommodation support was covered by Son Heung-min’s side.

It is not precisely known what the 'unthinkable things' mentioned by Trainer Ahn refer to. It has been confirmed that national team players including Son Heung-min, Cho Gyu-seong, Jung Woo-young, Son Jun-ho, Kim Jin-su, and Hwang Ui-jo liked Ahn’s post.

Lee Jae-sung receiving treatment for an injury in the second half after the third group stage match between South Korea and Portugal in Group H of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Photo by Yonhap News

Trainer Ahn, who spent a long time with the K League professional football club Ulsan Hyundai, is known to have close ties with current and former national team players. He is said to have played a significant role behind Son Heung-min’s rapid recovery.

In October 2020, Son Heung-min started in the away match against Manchester United at Old Trafford during the 4th round of the 2020?2021 English Premier League (EPL) season, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist, leading Tottenham to a 6-1 victory. Son’s unexpectedly quick return sparked attention when he said, "Magic happened to my hamstring."

Room 2701 is the room number where Trainer Ahn stayed at the national team accommodation during the World Cup, interacting with players. It is known that he equipped this room with massage facilities and managed several players, including Son Heung-min, before and after matches.

According to the football community, during the tournament, a dual system for managing the players’ condition was in operation, which led to misunderstandings between the so-called 'official' trainers of the KFA and the 'unofficial' side of Trainer Ahn, sparking this controversy.

A KFA official stated, "The national team’s medical staff consisted of 7 members: 2 doctors and 5 trainers. However, quite a few players received help from personal trainers hired by Son Heung-min, including Trainer Ahn, during the tournament."