Categories: Features & comment

How the stand-off over Yun has been reported in South Korea

The story of whether Yun Suk-young will play for QPR in the play-off final has featured heavily in his native South Korea.

Fifa rules mean South Korea can forbid Yun to play in the game against Derby on Saturday because May 19-25 has been designated as an ‘official rest period’ for all players selected for the World Cup, the only exception being the Champions League final.

Initially, media reports in Seoul were adamant that QPR would have to release him – so much so that it was claimed that South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo had ordered him to leave London and join their pre-World Cup camp.

More recently, the situation appears to have cooled, with reports suggesting that Hong now sees the importance of the play-off final for the left-back, who was not a first-team player at QPR for much of the season.

According to one newspaper report, Yun himself contacted the South Korea camp and insisted he wanted to stay with QPR until after this weekend’s match and assured them he would join them in good condition for their game against Tunisia on 28 May.

It has been speculated elsewhere that QPR will not back down even if it means risking punishment from Fifa, believing any sanction would be far outweighed by the financial rewards of a return to the Premier League.

Looking at the various online forums, it appears the majority of fans in South Korea believe Yun should be allowed to stay with his club.

There seems to be a widespread acceptance that it is not essential to his country that he is available at this time, but for QPR his availability is of course hugely important.

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This post was last modified on 24/05/2014

David McIntyre
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David McIntyre