'K-Football Innovation Committee' Park Ji-sung: "I am deeply sorry that football figures have not strived hard enough," vowing reform... promising 'viable alternative' [On-site at Olympic-ro]

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Ji-sung (45), member of the FIFA subcommittee, called for "effective reform" alongside reflection on Korean football.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held the 'K-Football Innovation Committee' meeting at 3 p.m. on the 6th at Berlin Hall, 4th Floor, Olympic Parktel, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul.

Choi Hwi-yeong (Minister) and Park Ji-sung, member of the FIFA subcommittee, attended as Gong Dong-wi (Director). Commentators Lee Young-pyo and Park Ju-ho, football figures, Yoo Seung-min, Chief Correspondent Han Che-yuk-hoe (Chairman), Kim Seung-hee, Executive Director of the Korea Football Association, Jo Yeon-sang, Secretary-General of the K-League Professional Football League, lawyer Yoo Young-geun, Kim Dae-hui (Prof.), and other sports industry officials and experts participated.

On this day, Committee Member Park Ji-sung opened his remarks by saying, "As one of the football figures, I am truly sorry and grateful for the situation up to now." He continued, "I once again felt that while football is just one sport among many, public interest and love for it are immense. Given that, football figures should have striven harder, but they did not, which makes me deeply ashamed."

Referring to the recently concluded CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, he emphasized the need for change. Committee Member Park Ji-sung stated, "Korean football has always shown its best efforts, but through this World Cup, we seem to have hit a limit that continuing with our current methods is no longer viable." He further stressed, "I hope that through this opportunity, Korean football will transform into an organization that leads the direction all sports should take and makes a positive impact."

He emphasized that the "effectiveness" of the Innovation Committee's discussion outcomes is crucial. He explained, "The most important thing is how much of what we have discussed will be reflected in actual policies and put into practice. Since the Korea Football Association is an independent organization, I hope it will forge its own good path on its own; that is why both the Association and the K-League Professional Football League are participating in these discussions."

Finally, he pledged, "Along with me, Committee Members Lee Young-pyo and Park Ju-ho have taken this stand not only from a player's perspective but also by thoroughly examining administrative aspects to find viable alternatives. As the public is watching, we will do our utmost to create an excellent reform plan."

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*This content was translated by AI.