KFA imposes heavy sanction on coach Shin Tae-yong; contract with Persija unaffected

Persija Jakarta coach Shin Tae-yong has received a heavy disciplinary sanction from the Korea Football Association (KFA) stemming from his time managing K-League club Ulsan Hyundai. According to Channel A, the KFA decided on the punishment after accepting recommendations from the Sports Ethics Center under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of South Korea. The case originated during Shin's brief tenure at Ulsan HD, where he was dismissed after only two months amid allegations of player disputes, physical altercations, and controversy over playing golf during an away match. Shin has denied these accusations. The Sports Ethics Center had previously recommended severe sanctions in May, leading the KFA's Fair Play Committee to convene in early July to determine the specific penalties. Potential sanctions ranged from a 10-year coaching license suspension to a ban from Korean football competitions, or even permanent revocation of membership. However, these sanctions are confined to South Korean football. Shin recently began his three-year contract with Persija Jakarta in June. Because the KFA's ruling is domestic, his role as Persija's coach remains unaffected. In a phone interview, Shin expressed feeling unfairly treated but chose to refrain from publicly detailing his full account. "There are many things I feel are unfair. I want to reveal the truth, but if I speak, my players could get hurt, and the football situation in Korea will not improve. So I choose to bear it myself," Shin stated. The 56-year-old coach is still considering whether to appeal the KFA's decision.

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There are many things I feel are unfair. I want to reveal the truth, but if I speak, my players could get hurt, and the football situation in Korea will not improve. So I choose to bear it myself.