Persija Jakarta Backs Coach Shin Tae-yong Amid KFA Suspension Over Player Assault Allegations

Indonesian club Persija Jakarta has publicly backed its head coach, Shin Tae-yong, following a one-year suspension imposed by the Korea Football Association (KFA). The KFA's disciplinary action stems from allegations of player assault and verbal abuse during Shin's previous tenure with Ulsan HD in South Korea.

“

Shin Tae-yong's suspension is for one year. This disciplinary action falls under the KFA's authority and is only applicable within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Korea. It will not affect Shin Tae-yong's coaching of Persija.

Persija confirmed on its website that it had verified the KFA's disciplinary measures and stated that Shin's suspension is confined to South Korea's jurisdiction and will not affect his coaching duties with the Indonesian club. "The club respects the KFA's decision and sends its full trust to Shin Tae-yong so that he can continue to make the team the best," Persija announced.

The KFA had not publicly disclosed the details of Shin's punishment, citing privacy concerns, until Persija's statement. The suspension follows an investigation launched in December after former player Jeong Seung-hyun accused Shin of assault and inappropriate behavior. Jeong had stated that Shin's actions were out of step with modern football standards.

“

The club respects the KFA's decision and sends its full trust to Shin Tae-yong so that he can continue to make the team the best.

Shin Tae-yong, who was dismissed by Ulsan HD in October 2023 after just two months, spent about eight months as a free agent before joining Persija Jakarta in June. The club is currently preparing for the new season, having recently signed Kwon Chang-hoon.

“

There were several times when I thought, 'Is this right?' during the time of former coach Shin Tae-yong's appointment. It was out of step with the current era. I don't think the perpetrator thought of assault or sexual violence, but it becomes assault from the perspective of the victim. I believe other players felt the same way, not just me.