"I didn't know what I should do as the director." Park Hang-seo sharply criticizes the Korea Football Association... "It was too arrogant, and there was a cartel"

*This content was translated by AI.

Coach Park Hang-seo offered sharp criticism toward the Korea Football Association.

Recently, Coach Park appeared on the YouTube channel 'Seo Hyung-wook's Polli TV' to share his experience as the support team director for the national squad during the 2026 North America World Cup and his thoughts on Korean football.

Although he served as the support team director during the World Cup, Coach Park reflected that he was not given a clear role or authority.

He stated, "Even though I was the director, I didn't know what to do," explaining that his ability to take meaningful action in managing the national team was severely limited.

He added, "The only times I could see the players were during meal times, and from a distance on the field."

Nevertheless, he did not evade responsibility.

Coach Park revealed that he had already submitted his resignation before the first match of the North America World Cup began. Although as support team director he lacked special authority, he believed he bore moral responsibility for the national team's results.

Under former coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea recorded one win and two losses in the group stage, finishing third in Group A and ultimately failing to advance to the round of 32.

Coach Park said, "Although I had no special role as director, since I went as the director, there is clearly moral responsibility on me."

He voiced even stronger criticism regarding the organizational culture of the Korea Football Association.

Coach Park stated, "The association needs to make bone-breaking efforts," and insisted, "I don't think it's a cartel from specific universities; there was a cartel within the football association."

He further emphasized, "The association was too arrogant and looked down on football people. Something like this was bound to explode eventually."

He also expressed the view that generational change is necessary for Korean football to evolve.

Mentioning Lee Young-pyo, Park Ji-sung, and Park Ju-ho, Coach Park stressed, "Young footballers must take center stage," adding, "Older generations should play a supportive role from behind."

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

*This content was translated by AI.