The Korea Football Association (KFA) has announced a significant shift in the way referees are assigned to matches by introducing a computerized system aimed at improving fairness and transparency. Lee Yong-soo, the KFA Vice President, made the announcement during a policy presentation at a business center in Seoul on the 23rd. The new framework will not only replace the existing Referee Committee but also establish a robust database to hold records and evaluation scores for the referees, transitioning to an AI-based assignment system in the upcoming seasons for K-Leagues 1 and 2.

Moreover, beginning this season, KFA has committed to ensuring that at least three members of the referee evaluation committee are drawn from individuals experienced in football, rather than being composed solely of referees. This move, coupled with the allowance of feedback from professional football club officials, is part of a broader strategy to enhance referee training and oversight. KFA plans to implement ongoing online feedback sessions after each round, along with enhanced offline training, and to address significant judgment issues on the following Monday through a new 'Monday Briefing' system. These improvements are expected to be communicated regularly to football clubs and the media through quarterly meetings.

Lee Yong-soo emphasized that while the immediate changes may not satisfy all football fans, they represent a step towards the gradual enhancement of refereeing in Korean football. He highlighted the significance of referees in the development of Korean football and set a long-term goal to elevate the status of refereeing as a profession that allows for full-time dedication to match officiating. The KFA has previously hosted internal discussions and an open forum to incorporate diverse opinions from referees and on-field stakeholders into these new policies, reflecting a commitment to an inclusive approach in the evolution of Korean football practices.