The Korean Football Association has formally expressed its “serious concerns” to FIFA following an alleged racist comment directed at Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan by a Como player during a pre-season friendly.
Hwang, a South Korean forward, reported the incident during Monday’s match in Marbella, Spain. Como acknowledged that a player made a comment related to Hwang’s name but did not consider it racist. The club added that the reaction from some Wolves players had exaggerated the situation.
Both Wolves and Hwang maintain that the remark was indeed racist and are collaborating with the English Football Association to file a formal complaint, which will be submitted to UEFA and the Italian FA.
UEFA previously stated it could not investigate as the incident occurred in a non-UEFA competition. The KFA has now escalated the issue to FIFA.
The KFA said: “In an official letter sent to Fifa on July 18, the Korea Football Association expressed serious concern about the racist behaviour suffered by Hwang Hee-chan from an opposing team player during a recent practice match, and issued a call to prevent racial discrimination occurring on the soccer field.
“In order to eradicate it, we asked Fifa to further strengthen sanctions against perpetrators.”
Wolves reported that the incident occurred midway through the second half, leading to forward Daniel Podence being sent off for throwing a punch in response.
Manager Gary O’Neil offered Hwang the option to abandon the match, but the 28-year-old chose to continue. Wolves ultimately secured a 1-0 victory.
Hwang subsequently posted on his Instagram:“Racism is intolerable in sports and in all aspects of life.
“After the incident, the coaching staff and my team-mates immediately told me that they would leave the field with me if needed, and they kept checking on my wellbeing.
“I am very grateful to my team-mates once again.”