Korean FA to be tough on getting K-League players

South Korean manager Pim Verbeek has warned K-League clubs that there will be no more compromises over releasing players to the national teams. The Dutchman was dismayed when the 14 teams refused to allow their young players to join a friendly tournament in Qatar, a meet seen as a warm-up for the Olympic qualifiers that start in February. According to Goal.com, the Korean Football Association was forced to withdraw from the ten-day competition 24 hours before the team was due to leave.

“Last season, the KFA gave up many things so the K-League could have an exciting climax to the domestic season and the clubs promised that we would have the players for Qatar,” Verbeek told reporters before leaving the country to head to the Gulf Cup in the UAE where he will watch Korea's Asian Cup opponents Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.“I am sorry that the K-League didn’t keep their promise and we will not compromise any more. From now we will firmly follow the rules.”