72.4% of K League coaches support switching to a spring-autumn system... The key to uniting the opposition is 'Winter Break' [StarNews 22nd Anniversary Special Report ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

A survey found that seven out of ten professional soccer K League coaches are positive about switching to a spring-autumn system. The primary response from head coaches is that the shift has become an unstoppable trend due to declining performance during the scorching summer heat, safety concerns for players and spectators, and global trends. While there are voices opposing the transition, most concerns can be addressed to some extent through a 'Winter Break.'

Of the 29th head coaches in K League 1 and K League 2, 21 voted in favor of switching to a spring-autumn system in StarNews' recent 22nd anniversary special survey. Among the remaining eight (27.6%), five coaches clearly expressed opposition to the transition. Two reserved judgment, and one offered other opinions.

The most frequently cited reason for supporting the switch to a spring-autumn system (multiple responses allowed) was 'declining performance during the scorching summer heat,' receiving 18 votes. Coaches argued that since player performance drops significantly due to extreme heat, introducing a spring-autumn system to avoid matches during this period is necessary.

In actual matches held under severe heatwaves, coaches expressed regret that summer games place a heavy burden on players' physical condition, leading to conservative tactical choices and reduced performance. This ultimately creates a 'vicious cycle' where fans visiting the stadium inevitably suffer. This decline in performance during the scorching summer is cited as the primary reason K League head coaches advocate for switching to a spring-autumn system.

Safety concerns for spectators and players during extreme heat followed closely with 16 votes. The need to align schedules with the AFC Champions League (ACL) and the European transfer market were reasons given by 11 and 7 coaches, respectively, who supported the transition.

A K League club coach who participated in the survey stated, "The main reason for advocating a spring-autumn system is that it can protect players' health from extreme summer heat and ensure spectator safety. Additionally, improving performance in a comfortable environment, synchronizing schedules with the ACL, and aligning cycles with major European leagues to enhance K League's international competitiveness and operational efficiency were all comprehensively considered factors."

Another coach added, "It appears that quick deliberation and implementation are necessary for the development of soccer. Considering the decline in player performance during the scorching summer and the environment for fans to cheer and watch matches, a swift decision is needed. Furthermore, aligning our season with other leagues would facilitate player transfers and recruitment, potentially driving further development."

Another coach, identified as Coach, expressed the opinion that "declining performance during the scorching summer heat, safety concerns for spectators, and alignment with the European transfer market are the main reasons why a switch to a spring-autumn system is necessary. Ultimately, I believe we must follow global trends."

However, even among those who support the switch, opinions diverged on the timing. Of the 21st coaches who expressed support for the transition, seven stated that the change should happen as soon as possible, while 14 believed that thorough preparations, such as expanding related infrastructure, must come first.

A K League coach argued, "If the ground freezes in winter, the risk of injuries increases. Expansion of facilities, meaning thorough preparation, is needed before any transition." Another coach, identified as Coach, added, "Even if the timing for introducing a spring-autumn system is somewhat delayed, it would be preferable to switch only after perfect pre-preparation regarding related infrastructure and institutional measures such as turf and cold-weather facilities."

Another coach, identified as Coach, added the opinion that rather than switching immediately to a spring-autumn system, more data should be accumulated, potential issues confirmed, and infrastructure checked.

Of course, not all K League head coaches supported the transition. Among the 29th coaches, eight, particularly five of them, clearly expressed opposition to the switch. The most frequently cited reason for opposing the spring-autumn system was declining performance during the freezing winter cold, with five votes, followed by concerns about player injuries and a decrease in winter spectators, each receiving four votes.

One coach who opposed the transition warned, "Due to cold waves, the ground freezes, leading to reduced performance due to stadium conditions in extreme cold and problems in mobilizing spectators." Another coach, identified as Coach, expressed the view that switching to a spring-autumn system while preparations for winter turf, ground conditions, and heating are incomplete seems hasty.

Some coaches also stated, "While it may align with global trends, realistically, it might not be easy given South Korea's climate conditions," or "Considering our country's climate, various confirmations are needed regarding winter match operations."

Coincidentally, most coaches who supported the switch cited concerns about summer heat performance as their primary worry, while conversely, most coaches who opposed the transition pointed to declining performance during the freezing winter cold as their reason for opposition. Many coaches who agreed with the transition but emphasized caution regarding its timing also highlighted issues arising from the winter season.

Assuming a switch to a spring-autumn system, the so-called winter break, or 'Winter Break,' could be the key to reducing or eliminating earlier concerns related to the freezing cold. The Korea Professional Football League already revealed a transition scenario in its first public hearing in November 2024, which involved completing the first half by mid-December, taking an eight-week Winter Break, and resuming the second half by mid-to-late February. The J-League, which has already switched to a spring-autumn system, also enters a break period through a Winter Break during the depths of winter.

There is generally a consensus on the approximately eight-week Winter Break period that the league virtually set in its transition scenario. Of the 21st coaches who supported the switch, 16 (76.1%) agreed with an eight-week duration. One coach suggested, "During such a long break, fan interest might drop, but it can be sufficiently maintained through active transfer market storytelling, other cup tournaments during the winter period, and various off-season content such as fan participation events."

Conversely, three coaches felt that an eight-week Winter Break was too long. Among them, one coach specifically stated that a four-to-six-week break would be sufficient. Another coach expressed the view, "It depends on the remaining match schedule after the Winter Break. For example, if the Winter Break leads to more midweek matches and increases the risk of player injuries, I believe the break period should be shortened." There was also one opinion that the Winter Break should be longer than eight weeks.

For coaches who cited performance or ground conditions as reasons for opposing the transition, such a Winter Break could be a turning point to change their stance. In fact, one coach who opposed the switch warned, "When the stadium conditions freeze during the freezing winter cold, there will likely be significant problems with declining performance and spectator mobilization," which suggests that a Winter Break could be the solution.

A K League club coach emphasized, "I believe switching to a spring-autumn system is a natural change aimed at prioritizing the protection of players and spectators and keeping pace with global soccer trends. Unless there are unique and irreplaceable advantages to the existing spring-autumn system alone, it would be the right choice for the development of the K League if the league and clubs pool their wisdom to proactively prepare for trial and error and boldly move toward an advanced system."

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*This content was translated by AI.