Seoul, South Korea – Chung Mong-gyu, the embattled president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), announced on Friday his decision not to resign despite the national team's underwhelming performance at the recent Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup. Amidst calls for his departure, Chung has also indicated his intention to seek a fourth term in office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision to retain Chung comes in the wake of South Korea's disappointing exit from the Asian Cup, following a 2-0 defeat to Jordan in the semifinals. The announcement was made after a critical meeting at KFA House in Seoul, where Chung also revealed the termination of Jurgen Klinsmann as the men's national team head coach.
Chung's tenure, which began in January 2013, has been marked by controversy, especially regarding Klinsmann's appointment despite his controversial coaching history. The KFA's decision to dismiss Klinsmann was influenced by a variety of factors, including inadequate tactical preparation and management issues within the team.
Facing criticism for South Korea's prolonged 64-year title drought in the Asian Cup, Chung has refrained from stepping down. Instead, he has proposed further analysis and measures to address the national team's challenges, expressing his readiness to accept criticism and apologize to fans.
Chung's future as KFA president became a topic of speculation when he mentioned the unsuccessful attempt to amend the KFA's articles of association in 2018, which would have limited the presidency to three terms. This move, not approved by the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee or the sports ministry, hints at Chung's potential candidacy in the January 2025 KFA presidential election, fueling rumors of his aim for a fourth term.