South Korea wary of Premier League plan

The South Korean FA have intimated they would be unwilling to stage a Barclays Premier League match if it proved detrimental to their own domestic competition.

Last week the Premier League revealed they are exploring a plan that would see an extra ’international round’ of fixtures played every January from the 2010-11 season onwards.

A variety of cities around the world have been mooted as possible destinations to stage the 10 matches, with Seoul thought to be among them.

With the likes of Park Ji-Sung, Lee Young-Pyo and Seol Ki-Hyeon plying their trade in the top tier of English football, there would certainly be no shortage of interest among Korean fans if the scheme were to come to fruition.

However, KFA general secretary Ka Sam-hyun insisted the idea would first have to be approved by FIFA and even then they would only stage matches in Korea if it did not impact the K-League.

“Of course, we have heard about the plan,” Ka told PA Sport.

“It depends on FIFA. We will follow the course of action that FIFA set.

“If FIFA approve then, frankly speaking we would have to carefully consider the effect that it would have on our league – that would be the most important issue.

“There is no doubt that Korean fans would be enthusiastic about the idea as there are a number of Korean players playing in the Premier League but our priority is if it would benefit the K-league.

“If we think that it could and help bring Korean fans to the stadiums to watch Korean games then we will consider the issue, but if we think not – then that is another matter entirely.

“At the moment however, it is too early to say.”