'K-Football Innovation Committee Officially Launched' Choi Hwi-yeong (Minister), Chairperson Resigns → Yoo Seung-min and Park Ji-sung Take Center Stage for 'Renewal Push'... "The Old Way Won't Work" [On-site at Olympic-ro]

*This content was translated by AI.

To overcome the crisis facing Korean football, the 'K-Football Innovation Committee' has been launched. Minister Choi Hui-young stepped down as chairperson, and a reform effort led by figures from the sports and football sectors, including Yoo Seung-min, President of the Korean Olympic Committee, and Park Ji-sung, member of the FIFA sub-committee, has officially begun.

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

Choi Hwi-yeong (Minister) and Park Ji-sung attended as Gong Dong-wi (Director). Also participating were football figures such as commentators Lee Young-pyo and Park Ju-ho, along with sports industry officials and experts including Yoo Seung-min, President of the Korea Sports Council; Kim Seung-hee, Executive Vice President 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 others.

On this day, Choi Hwi-yeong (Minister) stated that "the temporary paralysis of football administration became inevitable due to the resignation of the Korea Sports Council President and the vacancy in the national team head coach position," explaining that the Innovation Committee was launched as a temporary body to take the lead and seek alternatives until the next executive committee is formed.

Regarding the committee's composition, it emphasized the principle of 'football-led leadership.' Choi Hwi-yeong (Minister) announced that Park Ji-sung, Lee Young-pyo, and Park Ju-ho were appointed as members on the condition of their deep understanding of current football issues and their decision not to run in the upcoming association president election.

Following this, Choi Hwi-yeong (Minister) officially resigned from the Gong Dong-wi (Director) position immediately after the committee's launch. It appears the government intends to provide a platform for discussion while leaving substantive reform measures to be developed within the sports sector itself. Consequently, the Innovation Committee has been reorganized under Yoo Seung-min as President of the Korea Sports Council serving as chairperson.

Chairperson Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) emphasized that "according to FIFA statutes, the independence and autonomy of the Korea Football Association must be guaranteed," stressing that the Korea Sports Council's participation in the Innovation Committee was not intended to interfere in matters specific to individual organizations.

He further stated, "I accepted the Wi Hae (Chairman) position to jointly explore directions for the Korea Football Association to develop from the perspective of external observers and the entire sports community," adding, "We will focus not on mere discussion but on achieving concrete results through clear institutional improvements and proper procedures."

Member Park Ji-sung recently expressed regret over the current situation in football and pledged to focus on developing feasible alternatives. He said, "Despite the public's high interest in football, I sincerely apologize for failing to meet those expectations," and added, "Through the recent North American World Cup, we have clearly confirmed that approaching things as before is no longer viable."

Furthermore, he emphasized that the importance of the Innovation Committee lies in whether discussed matters are actually implemented. Member Park Ji-sung explained, "We will not merely rely on the perspective of former players but will thoroughly examine administrative aspects to discuss policies that can be realistically executed," noting that "the participation of the Korea Football Association and the K-League Professional Football League in the discussions is also a measure to bring about substantive change."

Finally, Member Park Ji-sung vowed, "Through all discussion processes, we will prepare reform plans to transform Korean football into a leading organization that can positively influence other sports disciplines as well."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.