K-League: Match-fixing scandal a catalyst

The government has threatened to shut down the 16-club league after 46 players were arrested earlier this month in relation to attempts to fix 15 matches from June to October last year.

Prosecutors have charged several former players with match-fixing, while 10 active players have been slapped with life bans. A coach was also arrested for attempting to blackmail a player over his part in the scandal.

"The K-League is now suffering scandals, but we are trying tirelessly to overcome the problems. Everyone may perceive many changes are necessary," K-League general secretary An Gi Heon told the Asian Football Confederation website.

"In this regard, the scandal can be an opportunity for us. As you know, the K-League board members have been changed, that means the decision making right has been moved to the club sides. We would like to listen more to the clubs and respect the club's voice."

The worst scandal to hit the K-League in its 28 years of existence comes with Asian football in crisis after AFC President Mohammed Bin Hammam was banned for life for bribery by the sport's governing body FIFA last weekend.