In an unusual incident that caught global attention, South Korean soccer team FC Seoul faced a hefty fine after an unexpected mishap involving their stadium stands. In May 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, the team was fined a record 100 million Korean won (approximately $81,000) for mistakenly placing sex dolls instead of mannequins in the stands during a match. This incident occurred as sports teams worldwide were exploring creative ways to fill empty stadiums due to restrictions on live audiences.
The intention behind the move was to create a semblance of normalcy and maintain an engaging atmosphere for the players, who were competing in front of empty seats. FC Seoul, like many other teams, sought to use mannequins to simulate a crowd presence, a strategy that had been adopted by various sports organizations globally. However, the plan backfired when it was discovered that the figures used were actually sex dolls, leading to widespread media coverage and public scrutiny.
FC Seoul quickly issued an apology, explaining that they had not intended to use inappropriate figures and that the mix-up was a result of a supplier error. The dolls, which were dressed in team merchandise and held signs supporting the team, were initially believed to be standard mannequins. The club emphasized that there was no intention to offend or embarrass fans, and they expressed regret over the incident.
The Korean Professional Football League (K League) took the matter seriously, imposing the record fine on FC Seoul for damaging the league's reputation. The league stated that the incident had deeply offended and hurt female fans and tarnished the image of Korean football. The fine served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism and sensitivity, especially during challenging times when the world was grappling with the effects of the pandemic.
This incident highlighted the challenges sports teams faced in adapting to the new normal brought about by COVID-19. As teams sought innovative solutions to engage fans and maintain morale, the FC Seoul mishap underscored the need for careful planning and execution. Despite the controversy, the incident also sparked conversations about creativity and the lengths to which organizations might go to preserve the spirit of sportsmanship in unprecedented circumstances.
In the aftermath, FC Seoul took steps to ensure such an error would not occur again, reinforcing their commitment to their fans and the integrity of the sport. The episode remains a curious footnote in the history of sports during the pandemic, illustrating both the unpredictability of live events and the importance of attention to detail in public-facing initiatives.
