South Korea: South Korea has suspended striker Hwang Ui-jo seven weeks before the Asian Cup due to a police investigation into allegations he illegally filmed his ex-girlfriend.
The Norwich City forward is accused of recording a sexual encounter with his ex-partner on his phone and posting the footage to social media without her consent. But the footballer denied the allegation.
Hwang scored a penalty in South Korea’s two World Cup qualifying matches this month, but the Korea Football Association (KFA) suspended him on Tuesday while they awaited the results of police inquiries.
The 31-year-old remains able to play for English second-tier club Norwich and scored in a 3-2 defeat at Watford on Tuesday, as per the statement.
“Until a definitive conclusion is drawn, we have decided to exclude Hwang from the national team,” KFA said in a statement.
The KFA’s ethics committee chair, Lee Youn-nam, told reporters that national players must conduct themselves “with a high degree of morality and responsibility.”
“Considering the fact that the player is being investigated as a suspect, it is difficult for him to carry out normal national team activities. Football fans have high expectations for the national team, we have deemed it inappropriate to select Hwang Ui-jo for the national team.” Lee remarked.
Hwang has scored 19 goals in 62 appearances for South Korea and is currently on loan at Norwich City from Nottingham Forest.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann said in a statement issued by the KFA that, “I fully understand the current situation and will respect the decision of the Korea Football Association.”
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