[Breaking News] Korea Football Association issues first official statement: "Speculative reports are not factual"

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) has apologized for the national team's elimination from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. However, it clarified that recent reports are entirely untrue. This marks the first official statement from the KFA since the World Cup exit.

On the 3rd, through its official website, the KFA stated: "We sincerely apologize for disappointing fans with results that fell short of expectations at the 2026 North American World Cup. We will take this failure as a lesson and prepare for Korea's football future through deep reflection and introspection. We humbly accept all criticism and condemnation, and vow to strive harder to build a better Korean football."

The KFA further added: "We also wish to clarify that recent speculative reports based on unverified tips turned into news are entirely false." This comes as the association denies various rumors, including internal conflicts within the squad regarding interviews during the World Cup and alleged tensions between head coach Hong Myung-bo and Son Heung-min.

The KFA concluded: "Once again, we bow our heads in apology to all football fans who genuinely care about Korean football for causing them concern. We promise to continue striving to uphold the noble values and purity inherent to football."

The association also explained matters related to the upcoming election for the next head coach. Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman) announced his intention to resign in May following the conclusion of the North American World Cup, and Coach Hong Myung-bo likewise declared his resignation after the national team's elimination from the group stage was confirmed while in Mexico.

The KFA stated: "The Power Strengthening Committee held a meeting today (the 3rd) and agreed to explore various directions regarding the appointment of the new head coach. The committee plans to continue discussions through follow-up meetings to ensure stability in national team operations, prioritizing the team's ability to prepare steadily for the Asian Cup and avoid disruptions to the second-half A-match schedule."

It further added: "Currently, if the KFA president's position becomes vacant, an election must be held within 60 days. The election should be conducted based on compliance with the association's articles of association, while also ensuring no conflict with the articles of association of FIFA, the KFA's superior institutional investor, and the Korean Olympic Committee. Accordingly, the association is currently engaging in comprehensive and in-depth deliberations."

Below is the full text of the Korea Football Association's "Letter to Football Fans."

Letter to Football Fans

To all football fans who continue to worry about and love Korean football,

We sincerely apologize for disappointing you with results that fell short of expectations at the 2026 North American World Cup.

The Korea Football Association will take this failure as a lesson and prepare for Korea's football future through deep reflection and introspection.

We humbly accept all criticism and condemnation, and vow to strive harder to build a better Korean football.

Additionally, we wish to clarify that recent speculative reports based on unverified tips turned into news are entirely false.

Once again, we bow our heads in apology to all football fans who genuinely care about Korean football for causing them concern. We promise to continue striving to uphold the noble values and purity inherent to football.

Finally, regarding the upcoming appointment of the new head coach and the presidential election, which have drawn significant attention, please note the following information:

□ Regarding the Appointment of the Next Head Coach

- The Power Strengthening Committee held a meeting today (the 3rd) and agreed to explore various directions regarding the appointment of the new head coach.

- The committee plans to continue discussions through follow-up meetings, prioritizing stability in national team operations to ensure the team can prepare steadily for the Asian Cup and avoid disruptions to the second-half A-match schedule.

□ Regarding the Presidential Election

- Currently, if the KFA president's position becomes vacant, an election must be held within 60 days.

- The election should be conducted based on compliance with the association's articles of association, while also ensuring no conflict with the articles of association of FIFA, the KFA's superior institutional investor, and the Korean Olympic Committee. Accordingly, the association is currently engaging in comprehensive and in-depth deliberations.

- Korea Football Association -

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*This content was translated by AI.