SEOUL: The South Korean sports ministry has upheld its demand for the suspension of Chung Mong-gyu, the president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), following the dismissal of an appeal by the country's football governing body. This decision comes amid ongoing disputes over the KFA's management practices and coincides with the upcoming presidential elections within the organization.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry's decision follows a comprehensive investigation that began after the controversial hiring of Hong Myung-bo as the head coach of the men's national team in July. The hiring process sparked public outrage, prompting the ministry to scrutinize the KFA's operations. The investigation revealed various irregularities and rule violations, which the KFA has refuted. Chung Mong-gyu has criticized the government's findings, attributing them to misunderstandings and a lack of insight into the association's operations.

The KFA is now required to enforce the ministry's disciplinary demands, which include suspending Chung from his position, within a month. This development intensifies the stakes as the KFA prepares for its presidential election, with Chung seeking a fourth term against challengers Huh Jung-moo, a former national team coach, and Shin Moon-sun, an ex-TV commentator.