"I intended to step down after the World Cup, but criticism was too intense" — Japanese media closely watches resignation of Football Association President Jeong Mong-gyu

*This content was translated by AI.

Jeong Mong-gyu, who led the Korea Football Association (KFA) for 13 years and five months, has stepped down from his leadership role. Japanese media also focused on Jeong's early resignation.

The KFA announced on the 6th that "Jeong presided over his final executive meeting at Cheonan Korea Football Park with vice presidents and directors present this morning before submitting his resignation letter."

As a result, after being elected as the 52nd President of the KFA in January 2013, Jeong served four consecutive terms and is stepping down from the top position of Korean football after more than 13 years and five months.

Earlier, Jeong announced via a statement in May that he would resign after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. However, it appears his decision was accelerated as public criticism intensified following the national team's elimination from the group stage of the tournament.

The KFA explained, "We determined that it is better for Jeong to accelerate his resignation in order to quickly normalize the current situation surrounding the Football Association."

Japan also reported on Jeong's resignation. TBS News reported, "In South Korea, where criticism against the Football Association and former coach Hong Myung-bo has intensified following their elimination from the World Cup in North America, KFA President Jeong Mong-gyu has resigned."

The outlet further stated, "Jeong was expected to resign after the ongoing World Cup in North America concluded, but he took into account the situation where domestic public criticism had grown," highlighting the background behind Jeong's early resignation.

TBS News also explained, "In South Korea, criticism against former coach Hong Myung-bo and Jeong has intensified following the national team's elimination from the group stage of the World Cup in North America," adding that "the issue has escalated into a major social problem, with the government announcing plans to launch a special audit regarding the process of appointing the coach."

Jeong, who submitted his resignation letter, said, "As I step down from my role as KFA President, this is my final farewell to everyone," adding, "To the people of Korea and all those involved in football: I sincerely thank you for the passionate love and criticism you have directed toward Korean football over the years."

He continued, "While serving as KFA President, I ran with the sole hope of seeing the development and glory of Korean football. At times, I met expectations; at other times, I brought deep disappointment," stating, "All glory and achievements belong to the players and fans, while all shortcomings and faults are entirely my responsibility."

He then added, "Now that I am stepping down from the presidency, I will return as a passionate football fan and continue to support Korean football. I am confident that Korean football, as always, will soar higher once again after overcoming numerous trials. I sincerely thank you for your overwhelming support thus far."

The KFA announced that, in accordance with Article 23 of its bylaws, one of the vice presidents will be approved by the Korean Olympic Committee to serve as acting president.

Furthermore, plans are underway to prepare the process for electing a successor president smoothly and fairly, centered around the acting president.

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*This content was translated by AI.