A decade later... Pohang vs Jeonbuk on the wooden bridge

The Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Hyundai clashed at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on March 28, as the race for the final spot in professional soccer's K League 1 was fierce. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Pohang defender Kim Yong-hwan left the field due to ankle pain. At this point, Pohang decided to "insert Shin Kwang-hoon (No. 17) instead of Kim Yong-hwan (No. 3)," but mistakenly informed the referee that they would "take off No. 7 (Kim In-sung) and put on No. 17." The referee agreed. The referee was also convinced that he was 'replacing Kim Yong-hwan' and inserted Shin Kwang-hoon while 'Kim In-sung had not left the field'. More than four minutes after the substitution, Jeonbuk protested that 'No. 7 Kim In-sung, who was notified of the substitution, was still on the field'.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw. However, Jeonbuk claimed a forfeit for Pohang under the KFA rules, which state that "if an unqualified player is found to have played in an official match and an appeal is received within 48 hours of the end of the match, the club shall be deemed to have lost 0-3". However, Pohang argued that it was a referee's mistake and that it was out of their hands as the referee is in charge of player substitutions.

The two bitter rivals are set to face off once again. Pohang and Jeonbuk will meet in the Korea Football Association (FA) Cup final on April 4 at the Pohang Steel Yard.

Pohang is determined to bring back the memories of their victory over Jeonbuk in the 2013 FA Cup final, which took place 10 years ago. Pohang drew 1-1 with Jeonbuk before winning 4-3 on penalties. "This season, we won three games and drew one without losing to Jeonbuk," said Pohang head coach Kim Ki-dong, "so the players need to play with confidence."

Jeonbuk is also determined not to lose. Jeonbuk, which prides itself on being a "traditional powerhouse," has had its ups and downs this season, including a 토토 change in head coach, and watched as rivals Ulsan Hyundai clinched the K League 1 title after three games. Jeonbuk, the defending FA Cup champions, are determined to restore their honor through this tournament. If Jeonbuk defeats Pohang on Sunday, it will become the sixth FA Cup winner in history, surpassing Suwon Samseong.

Meanwhile, the federation's decision regarding the "violation of substitution procedures" in the 29th match will be released after the match.