Source: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI
[Saba Sports News] The recently concluded Asian
Cup saw unexpected outcomes, with both Japan and South Korea, the tournament
favorites, being eliminated before the finals. Following South Korea’s 0-2 loss
to Jordan, there were calls from domestic fans for the Korean Football
Association to dismiss Coach Jurgen Klinsmann. However, terminating Klinsmann’s
contract would come at a high cost for the association. If they were to fire
Klinsmann and his coaching team, the Korean Football Association would be
required to pay liquidated damages, typically equivalent to the salary for the
remaining contract period. Klinsmann’s annual salary is approximately 3 billion
won, and there are still over two years remaining on his contract. Therefore,
firing Klinsmann alone would result in liquidated damages of 6-7 billion won.
When considering the rest of the coaching team, this figure could reach 10
billion won. Consequently, the editor believes that the Korean Football
Association may not dismiss Klinsmann solely due to South Korea’s unexpected
elimination, as it would incur a financial burden that the association may find
difficult to bear. Therefore, the more likely option would be to continue with
the existing contract.