[Official Announcement] KFA President Chung Mong-koo's statement: "I am aware of the various controversies and criticisms... I will step down after the World Cup"

*This content was translated by AI.

KFA President Chung Mong-koo will finally step down from his position as association president at the conclusion of the upcoming 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

Chung Mong-koo officially announced his resignation through a formal statement released via the Korea Football Association on the 29th, stating, "I intend to step down from the position of KFA president after this World Cup." He further expressed his feelings, saying, "I believe that supporting the national team to achieve results in the tournament is my final duty as association president, and I will do my utmost."

Chung Mong-koo, who successfully secured a fourth consecutive term in the election held last February with an overwhelming 85.6% voter turnout and approval rating, has made the sudden move to resign. The background behind this decision is rooted in concerns and worries for the national team, which is now on the verge of the tournament stage. Chung Mong-koo earnestly requested, "As we approach a major stage, I ask for the full support and unwavering encouragement of football fans so that Hong Myung-bo's World Cup national team can focus entirely on the matches."

According to the association, after a long period of deliberation, Chung Mong-koo decided to announce his resignation. He concluded that the Korea Football Association, which should be dedicated to establishing a long-term vision and implementing policies for the future of Korean football, must now take responsibility as its leader to overcome the current situation and achieve personnel renewal.

Chung Mong-koo, who took office as the 52nd KFA president in 2013 and has led the forefront of Korean football administration for 13 years, plans to officially submit his resignation letter as soon as the schedule for the 2026 North American World Cup, which concludes on July 19 (local time), is fully completed.

I am Chung Mong-koo, President of the Korea Football Association.

The 2026 North American World Cup is just two weeks away.

Our national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, has been diligently preparing for the World Cup finals. I believe the national team will display excellent performance and achieve meaningful results in this tournament. I earnestly request your unwavering support and encouragement for the national team during the tournament period.

I am well aware that there have been various controversies and criticisms during my tenure leading the Korea Football Association. I believe all of this is due to my own lack of virtue. I intend to step down from the position of KFA president after this World Cup concludes. I consider supporting the national team to achieve results in the tournament as my final duty as association president, and I will do my utmost.

I would like to express my gratitude to all football figures, sponsors, journalists, government officials, and fans who have offered encouragement and support while I have been leading the association. I also extend my thanks to the KFA staff, leagues, and provincial and municipal association officials who have worked together for the development of football over the long term. I sincerely hope that after this World Cup, all those who love football can gather their strength and wisdom to move forward once again toward the future.

Thank you.

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*This content was translated by AI.