Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association, officially began his fourth term after receiving approval from the Korea Sports Council despite various controversies.
On the 28th, the Korea Sports Council announced that it had notified approval of President Chung Mong-gyu on the 27th after comprehensively considering regulations and procedures, legal interpretations, self-purification intentions, and public opinion.
President Chung Mong-gyu was re-elected for a fourth term with an overwhelming 85.7% of the vote in the 55th Korea Football Association presidential election held on February 26. At that time, 182 out of 192 electors participated in the vote, and President Chung received 156 votes. Subsequently, the Korea Football Association requested approval of the president from the Korea Sports Council on the 7th in accordance with Article 22 (Appointment of Executives), Paragraph 7 of the Member Sports Organizations Regulations.
The Korea Sports Council stated that it made the approval decision after thoroughly reviewing whether there were any objections to the election and election validity or any disqualifications following the election day. However, considering the various issues raised regarding the operation of the Korea Football Association, it emphasized that it received a promise from the association to implement the 'Three Major Innovation Plans' through organizational reform for the protection of players and coaches and the development of football. The Korea Football Association established the three major innovation plans focusing on 'transparent administration,' 'righteous administration,' and 'responsible administration' to break away from its previously passive and closed structure. It declared a strong will for improvement in the spirit of 'Hwangol Taltae' (a complete transformation), promised changes and reforms that meet the public’s expectations as a non-profit organization, and expressed its intention to restore public trust.
The Korea Sports Council explained that it also considered that if the approval process for the president of the member sports organization was delayed and the executive body was not formed, it could cause disruptions in major association projects such as holding board meetings, forming committees like the Strengthening Committee, and operating elementary, middle, and high school leagues, and thus decided to grant approval.
Regarding the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s demand for severe disciplinary action including suspension of qualifications against President Chung Mong-gyu and others, the Korea Sports Council stated that the disciplinary demand is currently suspended as the court accepted the Korea Football Association’s request for suspension of execution of the notification of specific audit results and action demands filed against the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The Korea Sports Council explained that while it gave final approval on the premise of the Korea Football Association’s implementation of innovation, there is a possibility of changes depending on future court decisions. Furthermore, it emphasized that it will continue to demand institutional improvements and thorough management and supervision for all member sports organizations, guarantee the dignity and rights of players and coaches, and strive to create a free and fair sports environment.
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