Women's players forced to change in public, compete in extreme heat at Korea's biggest tournament

• Approximately 2,000 players and officials participate at the National Women’s Football Championship – Korea’s largest women’s football tournament
  
  
• One player had to be hospitalised due to heat exhaustion
  
  
•  "There were no privacy screens, so we were exposed in our underwear," says one player

The Korean Professional Footballer's Association (KPFA) has raised serious concerns about the deplorable conditions players had to endure at the country’s largest women’s football tournament.

The National Women’s Football Championship, which ran from 26 July to 8 August, is organised by the Korea Football Association and hosted by the Korean Women’s Football Federation and the Changnyeong County Football Association. It featured 61 teams with players from various levels, including the WK League, the country's top-flight.

The KPFA received numerous complaints from footballers at the tournament about the playing conditions and facilities. Amid ongoing heatwave warnings, footballers and officials struggled with inadequate facilities, particularly a lack of sufficient rest and changing areas.

"The situation is alarming," KPFA Secretary General Hoon-Ki Kim said. "The environment at the venue was extremely poor. There were numerous issues – from the playing fields to the surrounding facilities and operational aspects. This is not just a matter of inconvenience but a basic human rights issue."

Approximately 2,000 players and officials took part in this year’s edition. An inspection by KPFA revealed that there were no proper changing rooms or lockers available for players, who had to change in open makeshift tents without any privacy.

"We were forced to change clothes in cramped restrooms and, out of frustration, I just changed in the open tent,” one player said. “There were no privacy screens, so we were exposed in our underwear. If we can’t even manage this basic aspect of preparation, how can we focus on our performance?"

'Delays in emergency care'

Officials, coaches, and referees were also affected, having to use tents for rest which offered little relief from the intense heat. With temperatures exceeding 95°F (35°C), frequent heatwave warnings, and games starting at 6pm in which players were required to warm up an hour and a half beforehand, players were forced to prepare in the extreme heat. On 3 August, a player involved in a match between Korea University and Uiduk University had to be hospitalised due to heat exhaustion.

"The response to injuries has been deeply disappointing," another player said. "There were delays in emergency care, and the number of ambulances were insufficient. Communication about emergencies was inadequate. These problems need to be addressed."

Women’s referees were also affected by the lack of designated changing facilities. They were seen changing in restrooms, sometimes mingling with players due to the absence of separate spaces.

A third player said: "It was uncomfortable for players to be so close to officials and referees. Sitting near the tent was unbearable due to the heat. We need proper locker rooms to regroup and prepare for the second half. With everything exposed, even casual conversations felt uncomfortable. Discussing tactics became challenging, and ongoing discomfort was a real issue."

"The organisation of the tournament was problematic," a fourth player said. "Referees were working back-to-back matches, causing delays. The shortage of referees led to exhaustion and potential mistakes. Additionally, the continuous schedule for all levels meant teams had no space to warm up properly between games."