Seoul: Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), announced on Friday his decision to step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. This announcement comes as Chung concludes a 13-year tenure leading South Korean football.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung expressed in a statement that he plans to resign following the World Cup, which is scheduled to begin next month. He emphasized that supporting the national team in the upcoming tournament would be his final responsibility while in office. "I intend to step down as president of the KFA after this World Cup," Chung stated. "I will do my utmost to support the national team so that it can achieve results in the tournament."
The KFA noted that Chung's decision to resign was made despite his reelection for a fourth term in February last year, where he secured 85.6 percent of the vote. The move is perceived as an effort to rally strong public support for the national team during the World Cup.
Chung, who has served as the KFA president since 2013, is expected to formally submit his resignation following the World Cup final on July 19. He has faced increasing pressure to resign since the controversial hiring of the current men's national team head coach Hong Myung-bo in July 2024. Critics have raised concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the hiring process. In response, the National Assembly summoned Chung and other KFA executives for questioning during parliamentary sessions, while the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism conducted a comprehensive audit of the KFA's administration.
Previously, the KFA's appointment of Hong's predecessor, Jurgen Klinsmann, also drew public criticism. The national team underperformed, and Klinsmann's decision not to reside in South Korea year-round sparked further discontent.
During early matches after Hong's appointment, fans frequently voiced their disapproval, with protests and banners demanding Chung's resignation. In November 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism called for the suspension of Chung and other senior officials. However, the KFA secured a temporary court injunction in February 2025 that halted the disciplinary request, allowing Chung to run for and win his fourth consecutive term as president.
In April this year, the Seoul Administrative Court ruled that the ministry's disciplinary action against Chung was justified. The KFA has since appealed this decision.
In his statement on Friday, Chung acknowledged the public criticism he faced during his tenure and accepted full responsibility. "I'd like to thank all the KFA staff and other football officials for working so hard for the development of football," Chung said. "I sincerely hope everyone who loves football will bring their strength and wisdom together and move toward the future once again after this World Cup."
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will begin on June 11, with South Korea competing in Group A against Mexico, Czechia, and South Africa.