SOCCER: Korea FA chief Chung to step down after World Cup

SEOUL — Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu announced on Friday his intention to step down following the upcoming World Cup, acknowledging widespread criticism of his leadership and stating that his final duty is to support the national team at the tournament.

Chung’s tenure has been repeatedly marred by governance scandals and controversial national team appointments.

"I know well there have been various controversies and criticism while I have run the football association," Chung said in an official statement. "I believe all of this stems from my own lack of virtue. I intend to step down as KFA president after this World Cup."

A Controversial Tenure

The 64-year-old South Korean businessman has led the KFA since 2013. He recently secured a fourth term in February 2025, which was originally scheduled to run until 2029.

However, intense pressure has mounted following a series of administrative missteps:

Appointment Breaches: In 2024, South Korea's sports ministry revealed that the KFA breached official rules when appointing managers Jurgen Klinsmann and Hong Myung-bo, bypassing the proper involvement of the National Team Committee.

Legal Demands: In April, a Seoul court upheld the sports ministry's demand for disciplinary action against Chung, according to court records.

Match-Fixing Backlash: Chung also faced severe public backlash in 2023 following the KFA's attempt to pardon sanctioned football figures—including individuals involved in match-fixing cases—a decision the association quickly reversed following local media outcry.

Focus on the World Cup

Despite the turmoil, Chung expressed confidence that the national team, under the leadership of coach Hong Myung-bo, can produce "meaningful results" at the upcoming tournament in North America. He urged fans to look past the administration's faults and give the squad their full support.

South Korea is set to face Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic in the group stage of the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

-Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Ed Davies and Peter Rutherford/Reuters