Players in Korea Republic call for stronger heat protections after alarming survey

• Emergency survey by the Korea Pro-Footballers Association (KPFA) reveals impact of extreme heat on professional players
• Almost two-thirds of players surveyed have experienced dizziness, while more than half reported severe dehydration
• KPFA is calling for mandatory heat protocols, changes to kick-off times and consideration of an autumn-spring calendar

Professional footballers in Korea Republic are calling for stronger protections against extreme heat after an emergency survey revealed the alarming physical effects of playing in high temperatures.

The Korea Pro-Footballers Association (KPFA) surveyed 536 men’s and women’s players from the K League and WK League amid this year’s severe summer conditions that have seen pitch temperatures rise above 40C.

Some 86.2 percent of respondents said playing in the heat placed a significant physical strain on them, while 64.7 percent reported experiencing dizziness and 56.6 percent severe dehydration. Headaches (32.2 percent) and nausea (12.2 percent) were also common. Most concerningly, 13 percent – 70 players – said they had experienced temporary lapses in consciousness while playing in extreme heat.

The findings have prompted KPFA to call on the Korea Football Association (KFA), K League and WK League to introduce mandatory and enforceable heat protocols rather than leaving decisions primarily to the discretion of match officials.

“The fact that over 70 players experienced dizziness, dehydration, and even temporary loss of consciousness is a glaring red flag,” said KPFA President Lee Keun-ho, a former national team player. “When you factor in the players who didn’t respond, an even larger number are exposed to severe heat-related risks.”

Players want changes to match scheduling

Almost half (48.4 percent) of the players surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with the current cooling-break system. KPFA says players are typically given a break of just over three minutes when temperatures reach a certain threshold, despite pitch temperatures exceeding 40C.

There was overwhelming support for changes to how matches are scheduled during periods of extreme heat: 89.3 percent of respondents said current match operating standards should be overhauled.

Changing kick-off times was the most popular proposed solution, selected by 52.6 percent of players, while 37.5 percent called for matches to be postponed or cancelled when heat advisories are issued. Players also suggested longer-term measures including suspending competition during the height of summer and moving Korean football towards an autumn-spring calendar.

FIFPRO has consistently called for stronger safeguards for players competing in extreme heat; heat guidelines recommend cooling breaks when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26C and delaying or postponing matches when it rises above 28C. WBGT measures heat stress by taking factors including temperature, humidity and sun exposure into account.

Women’s football faces additional challenges

KPFA Women’s President Ji So-yun highlighted how a lack of suitable infrastructure can leave women’s players particularly exposed to extreme temperatures.

Women's and youth matches can be scheduled during the afternoon, while some venues lack adequate air-conditioned changing facilities. Artificial pitches can further increase players’ exposure to heat.

“The situation is even more critical in women's football and youth leagues, where a lack of stadium facilities often forces teams to play in the afternoon while the sun is still blazing,” said Ji, who currently plays at Suwon FC and is the women’s national team’s all time top goalscorer.

“Playing under the scorching sun on artificial turf that traps and radiates heat is essentially forcing athletes into a furnace. Just as professional baseball proactively cancels games for the heat, football needs to stop mechanically following a rigid schedule and actually prioritise player health and safety.”

KPFA calls for mandatory heat protocols

KPFA Secretary General Kim Hoon-ki said the survey provides clear evidence that more robust measures are needed immediately, alongside the longer-term debate over the football calendar.

The union intends to formally call on the KFA, K League and WK League to establish mandatory heatwave response protocols, including clear rules for delaying or cancelling matches rather than relying on individual discretion.

“An overwhelming majority of respondents are telling us that the situation is dangerous right now,” said Kim.

“Short-term, we need codified rules to delay or scrap games instead of leaving it to match commissioners’ discretion during heat advisories. Long-term, we need to seriously talk about a fall-spring calendar or a proper summer break. We’re not backing down until players get a safe environment to actually breathe and play.”

KPFA will now develop proposals for reform and engage with Korean football stakeholders as it pushes for stronger protection of players from extreme heat.

Could an autumn-spring calendar be the solution?

KPFA believes the increasing challenge posed by summer heat in Korea Republic should also prompt a wider discussion about the country’s football calendar.

The K League currently operates a spring-autumn season, meaning players compete throughout the hottest months of July and August. KPFA has proposed moving to an autumn-spring calendar, with a winter break of around two months between mid-December and mid-February.

KPFA argues such a move would not only reduce players’ exposure to extreme summer temperatures but also bring the domestic calendar more closely into line with international competitions. For instance, the Asian Football Confederation has moved its leading club competition to an autumn-spring schedule, while Japan's J.League is also moving to an autumn-spring calendar from 2026/27.

Lee acknowledged concerns about Korea Republic’s cold winters and the potential impact of snow, but said a winter break and investment in infrastructure could help address those challenges.

“The common sentiment on the ground is that being guaranteed an adequate rest period in the middle of winter is much more advantageous for preventing injuries and maintaining performance than playing in both league and cup competitions without rest under the scorching summer sun,” said Lee.

“Infrastructure improvements, such as expanding stadium heating facilities and introducing hybrid turf, are also areas where investment is necessary to increase the league’s value in the long term.”