Top nat'l sports body ratifies controversial football chief's reelection

The top national sports body announced Friday it has formally validated Chung Mong-gyu's reelection as head of the Korea Football Association (KFA), putting faith in the much-maligned organization's push for self-reform.

The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) said it had informed the KFA of its decision to ratify Chung's election victory Thursday. The move came 29 days after Chung had crushed two rival candidates to win his fourth term as KFA president.

As one final administrative hurdle, Chung's reelection had to be ratified by the KSOC. Such a step would be considered a mere formality for heads of other national sports federations, but the KFA presented a unique challenge because of controversy surrounding Chung's previous term.

Chung, who first became the KFA chief in January 2013, was subject to a monthslong probe by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism last year over a number of issues, including the KFA's much-criticized hiring of Hong Myung-bo as head coach of the men's national team. Then in November 2024, the ministry demanded that the KFA at least suspend Chung over several rules violations.

The ministry dismissed the KFA's appeal in January, but then the football body took the matter to court. On Feb. 11, the Seoul Administrative Court granted the KFA's request to halt the implementation of the ministry's demand, allowing Chung to remain in the election race. The ministry appealed that court ruling.

In announcing its ratification, the KSOC said Friday it reviewed the KFA's situation with the ministry "closely." Ultimately, the KSOC decided to trust the KFA's drive for more transparent and responsible management, because further delay in ratification would adversely affect players and coaches across all levels.

"The KFA has come up with reform measures that will break down passive and closed systems, and has vowed to completely overhaul its governance. It has also said it will try to win back the trust of the people," the KSOC said. "In order to protect the rights and interests of athletes and coaches, and to ensure the development of such a popular sport, we decided to ratify the election results. We took into account relevant rules and procedures, legal interpretations, the KFA's willingness to reform itself and the public opinion."

The KSOC left the door open that it may have to change its decision depending on the court's ruling on the ministry's earlier appeal.

In response to the KSOC's ratification, the KFA said it will convene a general meeting next Friday to form a new executive body to work alongside Chung.

In a KFA statement, Chung said, "I will try to ensure the rebirth of the KFA as an organization for the people, as we undergo change and reform in accordance with a new era in sports."

In his social media posting Friday afternoon, Chung thanked the KSOC for the ratification and said he will start addressing some pressing issues in football, including hiring new head coaches for the men's and women's under-23 national teams, and will provide support for national teams preparing for international competitions.

Chung also said he will try to ensure a timely completion of the new national football headquarters in Cheonan, some 85 kilometers south of Seoul in South Chungcheong Province, and also resolve pitch problems at stadiums across the country.

"As KFA president, I will try to best serve not only those working in football, but also football fans and the people," Chung wrote. (Yonhap)