South Korea football federation president resigns

Chung Mong-gyu resigned as president of the Korea Football Association (KFA) on July 6, stepping down two weeks earlier than planned following South Korea's group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup.

The KFA said Chung submitted his resignation after chairing his final meeting with senior executives at Korea Football Park in Cheonan. He had led the federation since January 2013, Yonhap reports.

Chung announced in May that he would resign after the World Cup, but opted to leave early after South Korea, coached by Hong Myung-bo, failed to advance beyond the group stage. Hong resigned immediately after the team's elimination.

Chung had also faced criticism over the appointment of Hong in 2024, with South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism concluding after an investigation that Chung and other senior KFA officials should face disciplinary action over alleged irregularities. The federation is currently involved in a legal dispute with the ministry.

Under KFA rules, one of the federation's vice presidents will serve as interim president until a new election is held.

In a statement, Chung thanked supporters and accepted responsibility for the federation's shortcomings.

"While shouldering a major responsibility as head of the KFA, I have pursued nothing but development and glory for Korean football," Chung said. "There were moments when I lived up to expectations and moments when I only left you deeply disappointed. All the success is thanks to our players and fans, and all the mistakes are my responsibilities."

Chung added: "I am convinced that Korean football will overcome so much adversity and reach great heights once again, as it has always done."

By Sabina Mammadli