British Media Reports on K League Opening: "Mask Wearing and Handshake Omitted... Professional Baseball League Also Opens"

On the afternoon of the 23rd, Incheon United and Suwon FC are playing an exhibition match at the Incheon Football Stadium. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] British media gave significant coverage to the news of the K League opening.

On the 26th (Korean time), the British media Daily Mail reported, "The K League is scheduled to open on May 8, with strict quarantine measures in place."

Earlier, the Korea Professional Football League confirmed on the 24th that the 2020 K League season would begin on May 8.

The K League was originally scheduled to open at the end of February but was indefinitely suspended due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The Daily Mail reported this confirmation of the K League opening date. It also provided detailed coverage of the friendly match between Incheon United and Suwon FC held on the 23rd at the Incheon Football Stadium.

The outlet stated, "(In the K League) players are not allowed to spit during the game and must refrain from talking to each other. Pre-match handshakes were also omitted," and showed scenes of coaches wearing masks during the match.

Additionally, the Daily Mail reported, "After Korea passed the peak of COVID-19, the number of confirmed cases has now dropped to single digits," and "The K League plans to proceed with matches without spectators in the early part of the season." It also mentioned that the professional baseball league is set to open.

The media outlet evaluated that "while most sports leagues and events worldwide have been suspended," the start of professional sports leagues in Korea is unusual.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.