'Sharp Criticism of Jeong Mong-gyu → Sudden Declaration of Support' Football Coaches Association: "Announced Resignation Ahead of World Cup, Expresses Regret and Disappointment"

*This content was translated by AI.

• "Concerns also raised over criticism directed at the national team coaching staff" "Everyone must unite for a successful World Cup"

The Football Coaches Association of Korea stated, "We recognize and respect that there are various opinions," regarding Jeong Mong-gyu, the president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), who announced his intention to resign after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North, Central America, and the Caribbean.

However, it added, "We express regret and disappointment that the resignation (announcement) was made at a critical time when everyone must unite to ensure the stable operation of the national team and strengthen the competitiveness of Korean football ahead of the World Cup."

On the 8th, the Football Coaches Association issued a statement saying, "We cannot but be concerned that excessive criticism and controversy surrounding the national team coaching staff continue to persist." It argued, "While sound criticism and checks are essential for the development of Korean football, indiscriminate condemnation and excessive public opinion mobilization not based on factual relations can burden the normal performance of duties by the players and coaching staff, ultimately leading to a weakening of the national team's competitiveness."

It further stated, "While external interest and oversight regarding football administration and national team operations are necessary, excessive external intervention and excessive pressure during the process of preparing for international tournaments can hinder the stable operation of the national team, a point that must also be carefully considered." It added, "For the development of Korean football, an environment must be established where professional expertise and autonomy in football are respected alongside responsible checks."

The association said, "The national team is currently undergoing an important preparation process toward the upcoming World Cup. Now is the time when everyone must unite for the successful preparation of the World Cup for Korean football, rather than engaging in conflict and confrontation." It requested, "We ask for the interest and support of the football community and the public so that the players and coaching staff can focus solely on improving performance and preparing for the tournament."

It continued, "Korean football is not the property of any specific individual or organization but belongs to all citizens." It urged, "The Football Coaches Association of Korea calls for unity and solidarity within the football community for the future of Korean football and the success of the national team. We also hope that the Korea Football Association, which has been at the center of controversy, will respond to the expectations of the people and football fans who have enthusiastically supported it by achieving rapid stabilization and operating in a future-oriented manner."

The Football Coaches Association of Korea, established in July 2024, voiced sharp criticism against Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman) after various critical voices emerged regarding the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as the head coach of the national team that same month. It stated, "We have serious concerns and doubts about whether Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman) has the qualifications to lead as the head of the Football Association." It clearly stated, "The responsibility for provoking a comprehensive crisis and further exacerbating confusion lies entirely with Jeong (Chairman). Therefore, we urge Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman) to take responsibility for all processes and outcomes and resign immediately."

In September as well, it said, "We call for new leadership for the development and future of Korean football. We urge the immediate resignation of Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman). That is the only alternative for the development of Korean football." It also stated, "We respectfully advise that this is the last opportunity for Jeong (Chairman) to resign honorably. However, if he attempts to serve a fourth term, this will be a path that accelerates nationwide resistance. For a new tomorrow for Korean football, we will never overlook any deception or scheme to cling to or extend the outdated system."

However, the Football Coaches Association suddenly reversed its stance in January of the previous year, just before the election for the 55th president of the KFA, declaring support for Jeong Mong-gyu, drawing fierce criticism.

At the time, the association explained, "Facing the choice of supporting one of the three candidates running for the 55th KFA president election, after carefully comparing and reviewing the pledges presented by the three candidates, we decided to support Jeong (Chairman)." It added, "In deciding to support Jeong (Chairman), we underwent various internal verification processes and in-depth discussions."

Meanwhile, on the 29th of last month, Jeong Mong-gyu (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." He expressed his position, "I intend to step down from the position of KFA president after this World Cup concludes. I believe that supporting the national team to achieve results in the finals is the final duty of a KFA president, and I will do my best."

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*This content was translated by AI.