The head of South Korea’s football association said on Friday he would step down after the FIFA World Cup in 2026, accusing him of “lack of virtue” following fierce criticism of his 13-year tenure.
Chung Mong-kyu, who has been sworn in for a fourth term as president of the Korea Football Association, has come under fire for trying to pardon former players who have been banned for life for match-fixing.
The 65-year-old was accused of bypassing the usual selection process for South Korea national team coaches when he hired German World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann in 2023.
Klinsmann was sacked after a disastrous 12 months and two interim coaches followed, leading to criticism of Chung, who formally tendered his resignation after the World Cup final on July 19.
Chung said in his statement, “I am well aware of the various controversies and criticisms that have arisen during my tenure as president of the Football Association.
“I believe that all this is the result of my own lack of virtue.
“After this World Cup I will step down as president of the Football Association.”
Chung won his fourth term as president in February last year with an approval rating of 85.6 percent.
South Korea have been drawn in Group A at the World Cup and face South Africa, the Czech Republic and co-hosts Mexico.
They open their campaign against the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11.
Chung, who belongs to the family that owns Hyundai Motor Co., urged Korean fans to get behind coach Hong Myung-po’s team.
“I believe it is my ultimate duty as president to support the national team to achieve results in the finals and I will do my best,” he said.
Hong, who was appointed for a second term as coach two years ago, had a shout out during the World Cup qualifiers.