*This content was translated by AI.
"What do Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo know?"
Amid controversy over remarks made by Seo Gang-il, president of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Do Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman), who publicly criticized the K-Football Innovation Committee, some regional football association presidents are increasingly expressing support for Seo (Chairman)'s claims.
Recently, in an interview with KBS, Seo (Chairman) stated, "What do Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo know to form an Innovation Committee? They were national team players in football, but how much life have they lived, how much law do they know, and how much social experience have they gained to become the head of the Innovation Committee?" He further added, "Instead of just criticizing, run directly for the Cha Ra-ri (Chairman) election."
Additionally, Seo (Chairman) expressed opposition to proposed changes regarding the election process under discussion by the Innovation Committee, such as expanding the electorate. He argued, "A by-election must be held within 60 days according to the articles of association; why try to rewrite them? Without a president, the association's administration will paralyze. We still need to hold Asian Games and A-matches. How can we appoint a coach without Ha Neun-de (Chairman)?"
In contrast, former association president Chung Mong-kyu, who recently stepped down, actively defended the committee.
He said, "Except for God, everyone makes mistakes while living," adding, "I don't think anyone deserves criticism to this extent. People call it '13 years of rule,' but I see it as '13 years of sacrifice.'"
One of the most representative failures during President Chung Jeon (Chairman)'s tenure was the controversy surrounding efforts to pardon football figures involved in match-fixing. Regarding this, Seo (Chairman) remarked, "Sometimes mistakes need to be forgiven and understood," but he also evaluated that "at the time, it was ill-timed and perhaps somewhat rushed."
President Chung's remarks sparked fierce controversy. However, some regional football association presidents supported Seo (Chairman)'s position, arguing that a swift by-election according to the current articles of association and administrative stability should take priority over restructuring the election process.
Park Sung-wan, president of the Chungcheongbuk-do Nam Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman), is reported to have expressed concern over prolonged administrative vacuums, emphasizing the importance of maintaining administrative continuity in accordance with the articles of association.
Baek Hyun-sik, president of the Busan Football Association, also stated, "What exactly did President Chung Mong-kyu Jeon (Chairman) do so wrong? We must also recognize his efforts to advance football over 13 years."
Meanwhile, Seo (Chairman) has been serving as the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Do Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) since January last year. Previously, he served as vice president of the Jeonju City Football Association and vice president of the Wanju COLONY Football Association.
Regarding his potential candidacy in the next presidential election, Seo (Chairman) said, "I will make no comment," but added, "If someone emerges without a will for reform, I may consider running," leaving the possibility open.
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*This content was translated by AI.
