Seoul: Chung Mong-gyu has officially resigned as the head of the national football federation, concluding a significant chapter in South Korean football leadership. The Korea Football Association (KFA) confirmed that Chung submitted his resignation letter after his final meeting with senior executives at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, located approximately 90 kilometers south of Seoul. Chung's tenure began in January 2013.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung had previously announced his intention to step down following the conclusion of the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Although the tournament was set to conclude on July 20 in South Korean time, Chung opted to leave his position earlier due to South Korea's unexpected exit from the group stage. The national team, under the guidance of coach Hong Myung-bo, finished third in Group A with three points, failing to advance to the last 16. Hong resigned immediately after the team's elimination.
Chung faced criticism over the hiring process of coach Hong in July 2024, which many labeled as opaque. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism conducted a comprehensive investigation into the KFA's operations, recommending disciplinary action against Chung and other senior officials for various irregularities. The KFA is currently engaged in a legal dispute with the ministry, which is planning another audit following the World Cup exit.
In compliance with KFA regulations, one of the organization's four vice presidents will assume the role of interim president until a new election takes place. As Chung had nearly three years remaining in his term, an election must be conducted within 60 days. KFA presidents are elected by an electoral college comprising regional football association heads, K League club CEOs, players, coaches, and referees. In the previous election, 183 out of 192 eligible voters participated.
Chae Hwi-young, the minister of culture, sports and tourism, expressed awareness of public concerns regarding the KFA's election process. He emphasized that if the KFA acknowledges the public's dissatisfaction with the World Cup performance, it must reconsider its election procedures. The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) is scheduled to review and potentially amend its election rules during a general meeting on July 16.
A KSOC official indicated that the meeting will consider extending the 60-day window for elections following a leader's resignation and may explore a direct election system. In a statement issued by the KFA, Chung expressed gratitude to football fans for their support and apologized for any disappointment caused during his leadership.
"While bearing the significant responsibility as head of the KFA, I have aimed for nothing but the development and success of Korean football," Chung stated. "There were times I met expectations and times I fell short. All successes are owed to our players and fans, and all failures are my responsibility." He affirmed his continued passion for football and expressed confidence in Korean football's ability to overcome challenges and achieve future success.