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SCMP Sport

South Korea football chief Chung Mong-gyu stepped down on Monday, a week after the country prematurely ended their Fifa World Cup journey by failing to reach the knockout stage as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
His departure followed harsh criticism from the country’s president, Lee Jae-myung, and the resignation of head coach Hong Myung-bo last week, after South Korea managed only three points in their group.
The team started with a 2-1 win in their opening match against the Czech Republic but then lost 1-0 to Mexico and South Africa.


The earlier-than-expected elimination from the group stage was the third time it had happened in their last four World Cups.
Chung, the long-standing president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), had been at the helm since January 2013.
He tendered his resignation earlier in the day after presiding over his final meeting with senior executives at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, some 90km south of Seoul.

In a statement released by the KFA, Chung thanked Korean football fans for their support and apologised for the times he disappointed them.
“There were moments when I lived up to expectations and moments when I left you deeply disappointed,” the 65-year-old said. “All the success is thanks to our players and fans, and all the mistakes are my responsibility.
“I am convinced that Korean football will overcome adversity and reach great heights once again, as it always has.”
Chung’s resignation came two weeks earlier than he had originally stated, announcing on May 29 that he would step down as KFA president on July 20 Korean time after the conclusion of the World Cup.
According to KFA regulations, one of the organisation’s four vice-presidents will take over as interim president before the election.
If the outgoing president had more than a year left in his term, then his or her replacement must be elected within 60 days. Chung had nearly three years remaining in his fourth term as KFA chief.
Last week, South Korea’s football superstar Son Heung-min shared a lengthy post on social media apologising for the team’s performance at the World Cup, and said he was “indescribably hurt” and eager to “win the hearts” of the nation once again.
“I don’t dare to convey the disappointment and hurt of the fans with a single sorry, so even saying those words feel insufficient,” the national team captain wrote. “I wanted to pass these words on to fans who are having a harder time than anyone with different emotions crossing each day, every second.”
The Los Angeles FC striker added that he still felt it was “not easy to accept this reality”.
“I know so many things have been sacrificed for this stage. I also feel a lot of responsibility that I couldn’t repay the time, heart, and constant support and love that you sent. I am really so sorry.”


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South Korea football chief resigns amid fallout of group-stage exit at World Cup

Chung Mong-gyu (right) and Hong Myung-bo (left) have both left their roles in the Korea Football Association. Photo: Korea Times

Son Heung-min says he feels a lot of responsibility over the national team’s failure at the World Cup. Photo: EPA

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South Koreans Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin (centre) are flanked by Wang Chuqin (left) and Sun Yingsha after winning the mixed doubles. Photo: Xinhua

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South Korea’s head coach Hong Myung-bo (centre) and members of the national football team arrive at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday. Photo: The Korea Times

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President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a meeting in Jinju, South Gyeongsang, on Friday. Lee has criticised South Korea’s football establishment over the national team’s early exit in the World Cup. Photo: EPA

Then South Korean football team head coach Guus Hiddink shows his honorary citizen certificate presented to him by then president Kim Dae-jung after he led the team to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals. Photo: AFP

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Sport

Football

Chung Mong-gyu had been in the role since 2013 and follows Hong Myung-bo, who quit last week as head coach after backlash, out the door


Chung Mong-gyu had been in the role since 2013 and follows Hong Myung-bo, who quit last week as head coach after backlash, out the door.


Lee Jae Myung

Son Heung-min

Hong Myung-bo

South Korea football chief resigns amid fallout of group-stage exit at World Cup

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Chung Mong-gyu had been in the role since 2013 and follows Hong Myung-bo, who quit last week as head coach after backlash, out the door

Chung Mong-gyu had been in the role since 2013 and follows Hong Myung-bo, who quit last week as head coach after backlash, out the door