Football team to play six friendlies before Asian Cup under interim coach

The South Korean men's national football team is set to navigate the lead-up to the 2027 Asian Cup under an interim coaching structure, playing six friendly matches without a permanent head coach. The Korea Football Association (KFA) confirmed this plan during its first board meeting under acting president Lee Yong-soo.

The interim coach will be appointed through a public recruitment process, adhering to the 'National Team Selection and Operation Regulations' of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation. The contract for the interim coach and their staff will extend until November, covering the scheduled friendly matches in September, October, and November. The 2027 Asian Cup is slated to begin on January 7 in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to the coaching situation, the KFA board also addressed the upcoming election for the association's president. Following recent revisions to the regulations by the Korea Sports Council, which allow for extended election deadlines and a significantly expanded electorate, the KFA presented its procedural plan for the election. An election management committee, composed of external experts from academia, law, and media, will be formed to oversee the process once the election date is set.

The board also approved an increase in daily allowances for national team players, raising it from 100,000 won to 200,000 won. This decision reflects an effort to improve compensation for players representing the national team.