Daegu: The top executive of Daegu FC resigned from his post Tuesday, two days after the K League 1 club suffered direct relegation to the second division for next season. Daegu FC announced that Cho Kwang-rae stepped down as the club's CEO. He had been at the helm of the team since September 2014 but had already expressed his intention to resign in August, with Daegu FC mired in last place.

According to Yonhap News Agency, they never climbed out of the cellar the rest of the way, finishing in 12th place with 34 points from seven wins, 13 draws and 18 losses -- five points behind Jeju SK FC. As the last-place club in the K League 1, Daegu FC have been automatically relegated to the K League 2 for 2026 -- the first time they will compete in the second division since 2016.

In a message relayed by the club, Cho apologized to Daegu FC supporters for letting them down. "I still find it difficult to accept this outcome, and it's only the right thing to step down as CEO," Cho said. "I'd like to thank our players for playing their hearts out until the very end and our fans for cheering us on even after our last match."

Daegu settled for a 2-2 draw against FC Anyang in their season finale Sunday, when they had to win the match to have a shot at avoiding direct relegation. Cho, former South Korean men's national team head coach and a star player in the 1980s, said the 11 years with Daegu FC were "the most beautiful and precious time of my life."

"We were able to grow thanks to the unwavering love from our fans and dedication from our players," Cho said. "I will cherish the memories we created together for a long time. I have no doubt in my mind that Daegu FC will develop into a prestigious football club. I'd like to ask our fans for their continued support."