*This content was translated by AI.
It was revealed late that former President Jeong Mong-gyu Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) supported the Football Association with a 4.8 billion won donation through HDC Group affiliates, which he chairs, ahead of his bid for a fourth consecutive term.
According to an internal legal review report obtained by the Democratic Party of Korea Jin Seon-mi (Rep.) office on the 23rd, HDC and HDC Hyundai E&C signed an official partnership contract with the Football Association in June 2024.
The contract period is four years, lasting until May 31, 2028. The condition was to pay the 4.8 billion won donation in eight installments. This is the largest amount supported by President Jeong Jeon (Chairman) to the Football Association through HDC under a single contract.
Furthermore, this was the first time that HDC and HDC Hyundai E&C signed an official partnership contract with the Football Association. At the time, the Football Association announced the signing of the contract but did not disclose the specific donation amount.
Previously, Jeong Jeon (Chairman) had provided 500 million won in May 2014, 1 billion won in 2017, and 2 billion won each in 2018, 2019, and 2023 under the name of HDC contributions. The total amount contributed to the Football Association through HDC prior to this contract was approximately 7.5 billion won.
Typically, candidates for chairperson elections of sports organizations under the Korean Sports Council are restricted from donation or other support activities to prevent vote-buying.
However, incumbent chairpersons may exceptionally provide support to ensure smooth financial acquisition for the association.
Nevertheless, controversy over appropriateness has been raised because this contract was concluded at a time that coincided with Jeong Jeon (Chairman)'s bid for a fourth term.
About eight months after HDC affiliates signed the 4.8 billion won donation contract, Jeong Jeon (Chairman) succeeded in his fourth consecutive term in the Football Association president election with an overwhelming vote share of 85.7%.
However, Jeong Jeon (Chairman) had announced his intention to step down from the presidency ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and submitted his resignation letter on the 6th.
Jeong Jeon (Chairman) was elected as the 52nd president of the Football Association in January 2013 and served four terms. He stepped down from the position of head of Korean football after approximately 13 years and five months.
At the time, Jeong Jeon (Chairman) stated, "Now I will step down from the presidency and return as a passionate soccer fan to support Korean football," adding, "I am confident that Korean football, as always, will soar higher once again after overcoming numerous trials. I sincerely thank you for your excessive support during this time."
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*This content was translated by AI.
