[26.05.29] Chung Mong-gyu to Resign After 2026 World Cup

Chung Mong-gyu Announces Resignation as KFA President After 2026 World Cup

📍End of the 13-year “Chung Mong-gyu era” amid growing criticism over coaching appointments and government pressure

Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), officially announced that he will step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Chung, who has led Korean football since taking office in 2013, has recently faced intense pressure to resign over controversial coaching appointments, criticism of the federation’s administrative operations, and government demands for severe disciplinary action. He said he plans to support the national team through the World Cup before formally resigning after the tournament concludes.

🔹 Chung Announces He Will Step Down After the World Cup
In a statement released on May 29, Chung Mong-gyu said he intends to resign as president of the Korea Football Association after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He stated, “I believe my final responsibility as KFA president is to fully support the national team so it can achieve the best possible results at the World Cup,” adding that he would do everything possible during the remainder of his term.

Chung also called on football fans to continue supporting the national team. He said he hopes fans will give players strong encouragement during the tournament and expressed hope that Korean football can move forward again after the World Cup with collective support and wisdom from the football community.

🔹 The End of the 13-Year “Chung Mong-gyu Era”
Chung has led Korean football administration since becoming the 52nd president of the KFA in 2013. In February last year, he secured a fourth consecutive term after winning the 55th KFA presidential election with an overwhelming 85.6 percent of the vote.

During his tenure, Korean football achieved several milestones, including reaching the Round of 16 at the Qatar World Cup, expanding youth football systems, and increasing investment in football infrastructure. However, criticism surrounding opaque decision-making and repeated administrative controversies also continued throughout his leadership.

Many football fans increasingly criticized what they viewed as a closed administrative culture centered on personal connections and a lack of accountability within the federation.

🔹 Klinsmann and Hong Myung-bo Appointment Controversies Became Turning Point
Public criticism of Chung’s leadership sharply intensified over the appointment of national team coaches. During the hiring process of former head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, critics questioned the transparency of the evaluation standards and decision-making procedures.

Public backlash grew even stronger after Klinsmann faced criticism for frequently staying overseas and failing to properly manage the national team.

Controversy resurfaced again during the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as national team manager. Critics both inside and outside football circles argued that the KFA’s coaching appointment system itself lacked transparency and relied heavily on internal connections and closed-door decision-making.

As the controversy deepened, distrust toward the overall administration of the KFA also increased. Many fans accused the federation of focusing more on defending itself against criticism than providing responsible explanations. Calls for Chung’s resignation spread rapidly across online communities and among football supporters.

🔹 Government Pressure and Legal Defeat Further Weakened Position
As controversy continued to grow, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched an audit into the KFA’s operations and coaching appointment procedures. Following the investigation, the ministry demanded severe disciplinary action against Chung, a move widely interpreted as direct pressure for his resignation.

Chung’s side responded by filing an administrative lawsuit against the disciplinary action, but lost the first trial last month, further weakening his position.

Following the court ruling, many within the football community said it had become increasingly difficult for Chung to justify remaining in office.

Public distrust also remained strong. Some football fans even argued that the national team should be separated from the football federation itself, reflecting growing fatigue and frustration with the KFA’s management style.

In his statement, Chung acknowledged the criticism, saying he takes full responsibility for the controversies and criticism that occurred during his tenure.

🔹 Decision Seen as Attempt to Ease Pressure on National Team
Many observers believe Chung’s resignation announcement was intended to reduce negative public sentiment surrounding the KFA ahead of the World Cup.

Although the national team led by Hong Myung-bo is preparing for the tournament, concerns had continued to grow that ongoing controversy surrounding the federation was also affecting public support for the players themselves.

With the World Cup approaching, football insiders warned that prolonged controversy surrounding the KFA president could negatively impact the atmosphere around the national team.

Analysts therefore believe Chung chose to clarify his future in order to prevent further controversy from affecting the players and to help ensure that public attention during the World Cup remains focused on supporting the national team.

The Korea Football Association said Chung plans to complete the formal resignation process shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

One-line summary : KFA President Chung Mong-gyu announced he will step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid mounting controversy over coaching appointments and federation management.