Asian Football Confederation: “Covering follows ethical responsibilities”
After losing in the round of 16 of the ‘2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qatar Asian Cup’, Iraqi reporters who threatened their country’s coach at a press conference were kicked out of the venue.
Iraq was eliminated after losing 2-3 in the round of 16 against Jordan held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on the 29th (Korean time).
After scoring a goal that made it 2-1, Iraq’s front line striker Aymen Hussein, who was overplaying the score, received a yellow card and was sent off for accumulating warnings. Iraq, which was outnumbered, allowed two goals in a row and lost 2-3.
Although Hussein was criticized, Iraq coach Jesus Casas said he was responsible for the defeat. He said at a press conference, “The timing of the red card was the problem. “He replaced the player, but it was difficult to resolve the situation that occurred inside the stadium,” he said, adding, “I take full responsibility.”
During this process, Iraqi reporters went on a rampage. After the game, Iraqi reporters harshly criticized Coach Casas. When Director Casas reacted bluntly, the reporters became even more excited, started shouting, got up from their seats, and disrupted the venue. Because of this, security personnel had to be dispatched.
Upon hearing this news, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) kicked the reporters out of the venue. In a statement posted on its website on the 30th (Korean time), the federation said, “The reporters who caused this incident will not be able to cover not only this tournament but also future tournaments organized by the Asian Football Confederation.”
He continued, “Reporting is a privilege that comes with ethical responsibilities,” and emphasized, “If you violate this, you will have to pay the price.”
In addition, the federation announced that it would strictly prohibit attacks on referees in the future. The federation said, “We condemn any form of threat, harassment, or disclosure of personal information toward referees and players,” and added, “Such actions run counter to the spirit of fair play and respectful attitude pursued by the Asian soccer community.” 19가이드03
