Foreign media also focused on Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman)'s "sudden resignation"... "Acknowledges criticism, stepping down with three years of term remaining"

*This content was translated by AI.

Foreign media also took notice of the sudden resignation announcement by Jeong Mong-gyu (64), President of Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman).

_NAME_0__ announced on the 29th through the Korea Football Association (KFA) its intention to step down from the KFA presidency after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North, Central America and the Caribbean, scheduled for next month. On this day, Jeong (Chairman) issued an official statement, saying, "I intend to step down from the KFA presidency after this World Cup," and added, "I believe that supporting the national team to achieve results in the tournament is my final duty as KFA president, and I will do my best."

As a result, Jeong (Chairman) will step down from the presidency of Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) after 13 years. Jeong (Chairman), who has led the KFA since 2013, successfully secured a fourth term in February last year. Despite fierce public criticism at the time, Jeong (Chairman) achieved re-election with an overwhelming vote share of 85.5%. Originally, Jeong (Chairman)'s term was set to last until 2029, but according to this announcement, he will step down after the 2026 World Cup in North, Central America and the Caribbean.

_NAME_1__ stated, "The opening of the World Cup is just two weeks away. Coach Hong Myung-bo and the Lee Kkeu-neun (CEO) team have worked hard to prepare for the tournament. I believe the national team will display good performances and achieve meaningful results in this competition," and added, "I earnestly request your unwavering support and encouragement for the national team during the tournament."

Continuing, Jeong (Chairman) said, "I am well aware that there have been various controversies and criticisms during my tenure leading the KFA," and added, "I believe all of this is due to my own moral failings. I intend to step down from the KFA presidency after this World Cup. I believe that supporting the national team to achieve results in the tournament is my final duty as KFA president, and I will do my best."

_NAME_0__ has received positive evaluations for achievements including qualifying for the World Cup finals for 11 consecutive years and the groundbreaking of the Cheonan Football Comprehensive Center. However, he faced criticism regarding procedural controversies in the appointment processes of former coach Jurgen Klinsmann and current coach Hong Myung-bo. He also could not avoid criticism over the 2023 surprise pardon of match-fixing suspects.

The British Reuters Agency reported, "Jeong (Chairman) announced plans to resign after the World Cup. He acknowledged criticisms of his leadership. He stated that his final duty is to support his country in the tournament," and explained, "There were controversies surrounding the operation of the association and the appointment of the national team coach."

The media further stated, "South Korean entrepreneur Jeong (Chairman) has led the KFA since 2013. He successfully secured a fourth term in February 2025, and his current term was scheduled to continue until 2029," and added, "South Korean authorities pointed out that appropriate procedures were not followed and regulations were violated in the appointment processes of coaches Klinsmann and Hong Myung-bo."

It also noted, "Jeong (Chairman) faced criticism for attempting to pardon football officials, including those involved in the 2023 match-fixing scandal, before retracting the move."

_NAME_0__ said, "I would like to express my gratitude to all football figures, sponsors, journalists, government officials, and fans who have offered encouragement and support during my tenure leading the association." He added, "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. 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."

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*This content was translated by AI.