Seoul: Former South Korean Olympic chief Lee Kee-heung has been handed a four-year suspension by the nation's top sports organization, sources within the sports community and his aides said. The suspension bars Lee from holding any executive role in a sports organization during that period and was decided at a recent subcommittee meeting of the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC).

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee had clashed with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism last year over allegations of misconduct, including questionable hiring practices and illicit financial dealings. The 70-year-old sought an unprecedented third term as KSOC president despite considerable opposition from within the sports community but was ultimately defeated by current president Ryu Seung-min in an election held in January this year.

The KSOC stated it could not confirm "disciplinary actions on individuals" due to internal regulations. However, it explained that the suspension was not related to ongoing police investigations but was based on the results of an audit conducted by the sports ministry last year. Lee's aides reportedly said he had not yet been officially notified of the disciplinary action and argued that the suspension is unjust, especially given his retirement from the presidency.

Lee stated he plans to ask the committee to reconsider the decision once he receives official notice, citing "procedural flaws" and a lack of justification for the punishment.