SEOUL, South Korea — The Korean Football Association has filed an official complaint with FIFA over an alleged racist remark directed at Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan during a recent preseason match in Spain.
KFA's complaint comes after Hwang, a South Korean player, reported being subjected to an anti-Asian remark during Monday's match against Italian club Como. Hwang reported the incident during the second half, leading to angry responses from his teammates, including Daniel Podence, who was sent off for punching a Como player.
''In an official letter sent to FIFA on July 18, the Korea Football Association expressed its grave concern over the racist abuse that Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) suffered from an opposing player during a recent practice match and requested that FIFA further strengthen sanctions against the perpetrators to prevent and eradicate racism on the football field,'' the association said on its official X account.
Wolves' head coach has said Hwang has ''the full support of the Wolves group.''
Como defended the accused player, who hasn't been named, stating that he didn't say anything derogatory and only referred to Hwang as ''Jackie Chan,'' a widely known Hong Kong star known for his kung fu action films.
In a statement posted on Como's official X account Tuesday, Mirwan Suwarso, the ownership group's official representative, said: ''Our club does not tolerate racism and condemns all forms of it in the strongest possible way,'' but added that one of their players made a Jackie Chan comment based on Wolves players referring to Hwang as ''Channy.''
Former France star Thierry Henry — who is now the coach of the French Olympic team — and former Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas are both minority shareholders in Como, which was promoted to Serie A at the end of last season. Como appointed Fabregas as its head coach on Friday.
The incident involving Hwang made headlines in South Korea, with local news outlets, including South Korea's mass-circulation Chosun Ilbo newspaper and major television networks reporting extensively.