South Korea re-elects controversial football chief who tried to overturn match-fixing bans
South Korea’s men – captained by Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min – have enjoyed highs and lows during Chung’s time at the KFA
Chung Mong-gyu said he felt a sense of “responsibility” after being elected president of the Korean Football Association for a fourth time on Wednesday, despite being dogged by controversy.
Chung, 63, who has led the Korea FA since 2013, has been widely criticised for his decision-making, but remains as the country’s top football official after securing around 85 per cent of votes.
He has been under fire for an attempt to pardon players banned for life for match-fixing and the unpopular appointment of Jurgen Klinsmann as national coach.
South Korea’s men – captained by Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min – have enjoyed highs and lows during Chung’s time at the KFA.
They won three consecutive Asian Games gold medals in 2014, 2018 and 2022, reached the World Cup knockout phase at Qatar 2022 but underperformed at the Asian Cup, which they last won in 1960.
Chung had faced allegations that he bypassed proper hiring procedures to secure the appointment of Klinsmann.