*This content was translated by AI.
The Korean Basketball Federation (KBL) has concluded that it is 5 million won in sanctions for SK coach Jeon Hee-chul in Seoul, who caused the so-called "insincere game." However, it is pointed out that the level of punishment is too low for the weight of the issue, and the so-called soft punishment controversy is heating up.
KBL held a financial committee meeting on the 10th and imposed a fine of 5 million won on coach Jeon Hee-chul, who was suspected of intentionally losing the Anyang Jeonggwanjangjeon on the 8th, and issued a warning to the club. The KBL explained, "The coach and the club made an explanation, but they acknowledged that there was a possibility of misunderstanding and asked for responsibility."
The circumstances of the game in question are clear. SK was at a crossroads to choose the opponent for the semifinal playoff depending on the result of the game. If he came in third, he would meet Busan KCCC, and if he came in fourth, he would meet Goyang Sono. Thirteen seconds before the end of the game, which was tied at 65-65, doubts turned into conviction when SK Kim Myung-jin's second shot, especially the second shot, hit the backboard without even hitting the rim. SK, which allowed a run in the ensuing defense, eventually lost 65-67 to secure the fourth place it wanted.
Fans' reactions have gone beyond anger to a sense of betrayal. Major online communities such as YouTube and social networking services (SNS) are complaining that the incident is not just an unfaithful game but a match-fixing scandal.
In particular, comments such as "I deceived fans who paid to visit the stadium" and "I abandoned my desire to win, the basis of professional sports," seem to be spreading with high consensus.
Director Jeon Hee-chul bowed his head through Media Day, saying, "I'm sorry for causing controversy," and attended the Finance Committee to explain the situation at the time.
However, the 5 million won sanctions released by the federation seem to be insufficient to quell such public anger. The same amount of disciplinary action was imposed in similar cases in 2017, but the fact that the disciplinary standards are still in place nine years later makes us doubt the KBL's willingness to respond.
The essence of sports lies in fair competition and the best for victory. If the act of abandoning the final regular league game is repeated for the advantage of the playoff match, the league's authority will inevitably fall.
KBL's decision, which admitted that there is a possibility of misunderstanding but acquitted him with a light punishment of 5 million won, is likely to give the wrong signal that it is okay to choose a match opponent if it pays a fine.
Head coach Jeon Hee-chul asked, "Players should focus only on the playoffs," but the league's credibility has already been severely hurt. Critics say the 5 million won fine is a soft punishment.
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*This content was translated by AI.
