Seoul: The sports ministry announced that it has once again urged the Korea Football Association (KFA) to act on its demand to discipline the sport's top official, following a recent court ruling that sided with the ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry sent an official letter to the KFA, calling for penalties against its leader, Chung Mong-gyu, and other senior officials due to irregularities discovered during the ministry's 2024 audit. The audit raised concerns about several issues, including the controversial hiring of Hong Myung-bo as head coach of the men's national team.

After the KFA's appeal was dismissed by the ministry, the association sought and won a court injunction to suspend the disciplinary demand, allowing Chung to secure his fourth term as KFA president in February last year. However, the Seoul Administrative Court ruled last Thursday that the ministry's demand for disciplinary action against Chung was justified and within the scope of its discretion.

With this ruling, the court injunction granted to the KFA will expire on May 26. The ministry stated that the KFA must discipline Chung and others within a month of the expiration date and devise measures to address administrative wrongdoings within two months.

The ministry emphasized the importance of the court ruling, expressing hope that it would serve as a turning point for Korean football, restoring public trust and advancing the sport's development. It also affirmed its intention to closely monitor the KFA's implementation of necessary reforms.

The Seoul Administrative Court clarified that the KFA is not obligated to unconditionally comply with the ministry's demand, and the ministry lacks the authority to directly discipline KFA officials or enforce measures. The KFA has yet to decide whether to appeal the court's decision.