AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 League Stage(East Zone) Matchday 3 between Gwangju FC vs Johor Darul Ta’Zim on 22 October 2024 will move venue to play at Yongin Mireu Stadium, Yongin.
This decision follows concerns over the poor condition of the pitch at Gwangju Football Stadium, which was originally slated to host the match.
The change of venue was confirmed after a check on the AFC website previously listed the Gwangju Football Stadium as “TBC” (To Be Confirmed). Although the AFC did not provide specific details regarding the delay, South Korean football fans have speculated that it was due to the substandard quality of the pitch at Gwangju’s home ground.
The condition of the Gwangju Football Stadium came under scrutiny after Gwangju FC’s recent K-League 1 match against FC Seoul on 6 October. While Gwangju secured a 3-1 victory with goals from Heo Yool, Lee Kun-hee, and Jasir Asani, the state of the pitch drew heavy criticism. FC Seoul’s only goal came from former Manchester United player Jesse Lingard, but the condition of the field overshadowed much of the action.
FC Seoul head coach Kim Gi-dong voiced his dissatisfaction with the pitch, noting that it hindered his team’s ability to play effectively and posed a potential injury risk. “The stadium is in a pretty bad condition. If there is no grass and it is flat, it may be comfortable, but the players are too worried, and this creates difficulties for their feet,” Kim said, as reported by Sports Chosun.
Following the concerns raised after the K-League 1 fixture, the AFC decided to move the Gwangju vs JDT ACLE match to Yongin Mireu Stadium, which is located 234 km away from Gwangju’s home stadium. This change is expected to improve playing conditions and mitigate any risks posed by the poor state of the Gwangju pitch.
Credit Photo : K League United
