Along with FIFA’s initiative in ensuring the safety and health of the football community, Korea Football Association (KFA) recently took measures contributing to local communities, Korean and foreign nationals in Korea affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Having been aware of the shortage of blood in Korea due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the entire KFA employees and staff participated in the campaign to donate blood on 17 March 2020 in conjunction with providing Paju National Football Centre (NFC) as a medical and treatment centre for those infected by the virus. 

KFA, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, plans to utilise the main building of the Paju NFC starting from 25 March 2020 for patients with mild cases of the Covid-19 virus hoping to play a small part to curtail the virus altogether. The period of adopting the NFC as a treatment centre will last at least 1 month to a maximum of 2 months, and once the initial period ends, the centre will be restored back to being a training facility for all of Korea Republic’s national football teams after 1-2 weeks of quarantine. The entire floors of the main building in NFC will be utilised exclusively for Covid-19 patients and medical personnel with access to the centre strictly controlled. 

The President of KFA, Mr. Mong Gyu CHUNG said, “In the face of adversity affecting the Korean society, all employees and staff of KFA came up with various initiative ideas to contribute in any way. After deliberating with ideas that would represent our common goal, we decided that it would be best to donate blood in consideration of the current circumstances and provide the facilities of Paju NFC as a treatment centre for the virus. I hope KFA’s small efforts will provide some comfort for those in need.” 

Meanwhile, in a message sent to KFA registered players and teams regarding Covid-19, President Chung stated, “KFA recognises the seriousness of the current situation and together with our affiliated organisations, we will prepare for plans to protect and safeguard the well-being of our football community. In addition, we will continue to monitor the situation of other major competitions and actively review the social engagement of KFA employees.” He also added, “The keyword for overcoming Covid-19 is ‘TEAMWORK’. In keeping with the core value of football, I hope we can find strength and unite with each other as one team to overcome these uncertain times.”