Officialization of Football Association President Jeong Mong-gyu's resignation → What lies ahead for Korean football? "Consideration of appointing an acting president"

*This content was translated by AI.

With the sudden announcement by Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) President Jeong Mong-gyu that he will step down from his leadership position after completing all 2026 FIFA World Cup schedules in North, Central America, and the Caribbean, the football community is paying close attention to the procedures and timing for the next presidential election to fill the anticipated administrative vacuum in Korean football.

On the 29th, Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman) released an official statement, stating, "I intend to step down from the position of Football Association President after this World Cup," formally expressing his resignation. Jeong (Chairman) added, "I believe that supporting the national team to achieve results in the finals is my final duty as the association president, and I will do my utmost."

According to Article 39, Paragraph 1 of Chapter 6 (Supplementary Provisions) of the Korea Football Association's bylaws, if the president's position becomes vacant, a new Lee Nae-e (Chairman) must be elected within 60 days. Furthermore, Paragraph 2 of the same article stipulates that the by-election shall be conducted in the same manner as an election due to the expiration of the term.

Therefore, if Jeong (Chairman) formally submits his resignation immediately after the North, Central America, and Caribbean World Cup concludes on July 19, creating a vacancy, an election to select the next leader must be held within 60 days from the time of resignation, in accordance with the association's bylaws.

However, a KFA official told StarNews, "Under current plans, there is also the possibility of appointing an acting president before Jeong (Chairman) resigns. This will be decided through a separate board meeting."

According to the association, Jeong (Chairman), who successfully secured a fourth consecutive term with an overwhelming 85.6% support rate in the February election last year, made the sudden decision to resign before completing his term. The primary background for this decision was the concern for the national team facing the World Cup.

In his statement, Jeong (Chairman) said, "The 2026 North, Central America, and Caribbean World Cup is just two weeks away. The national team under Coach Hong Myung-bo has diligently prepared for the World Cup finals. I believe the national team will display good performance and achieve meaningful results in this tournament," expressing his trust.

Continuing, he bowed to football fans, asking them to "provide unwavering support and encouragement to the national team during the tournament period so that the Hong Myeong-bo-ho (CEO) team can focus entirely on the matches ahead of this major stage."

He also faced criticism surrounding him and acknowledged his responsibility. Jeong (Chairman) stated, "I am well aware that there have been various controversies and criticisms during my tenure leading the Football Association. I believe all of this is due to my own lack of virtue," revealing his thoughts without reservation.

Having held the position of the 52nd Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) President since 2013, Jeong (Chairman) maintained the role for a full 13 years. At the end of his statement, he did not forget to offer thanks and a message for the future of Korean football.

Jeong (Chairman) said, "I would like to express my gratitude to the football community, sponsors, media, government officials, and fans who have encouraged and supported me during my tenure. I also extend my thanks to the KFA staff, leagues, and local association officials who have worked together for the development of football over the long term." He added, "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."

With the sudden announcement of the leader's resignation before the end of his term and the certainty that an election will be triggered within 60 days according to the bylaws, the Korean football community is facing a major period of upheaval to reorganize new leadership, alongside the intense competition of the World Cup finals.

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*This content was translated by AI.