July 23 – The Korean FA has filed an official complaint with FIFA over an alleged racist remark directed at Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan during a recent preseason match against Italian club Como that took place in Spain.
Hwang reported the incident during the second half, leading to angry responses from his teammates, including Daniel Podence, who was sent off for punching a Como player.
“In an official letter sent to FIFA on July 18, the Korea Football Association expressed its grave concern over the racist abuse that Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) suffered from an opposing player during a recent practice match and requested that FIFA further strengthen sanctions against the perpetrators to prevent and eradicate racism on the football field,” the FA said on its official X account.
Como defended the accused player, who hasn’t been named, stating that he didn’t say anything derogatory and only referred to Hwang as ‘Jackie Chan’, a widely known Hong Kong star known for his kung fu action films.
A counter statement from Como said: “Our club does not tolerate racism and condemns all forms of it in the strongest possible way.”
The incident involving Hwang made headlines in South Korea, with local news outlets, including South Korea’s mass-circulation Chosun Ilbo newspaper and major television networks reporting extensively.
Hwang also addressed the incident on his Instagram, stating: “Racism is intolerable in sports and in all aspects of life.”
The Korean FA’s complaint marks the first time it has officially addressed FIFA regarding the frequent racial abuse of South Korean players abroad.
Wolves said they would launch a complaint to UEFA but European football’s governing body cannot investigate the incident because it was not part of an official competition.
“While UEFA will continue its fight to eliminate all forms of discrimination in football, the organisation’s disciplinary bodies can only take action for incidents that take place in UEFA competitions,” UEFA said. The KFA is likely to receive a similar response from FIFA.
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