Following the collapse of the Korean Football Association’s National Team Committee (NTC) in its search for a new head coach for the national football team, President Chung Mong-gyu is once again under scrutiny. Internal issues at the KFA, such as arbitrary decision-making and factionalism, have resurfaced, leading to increasing criticism. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jul. 2 (Korea Bizwire) –South Korea’s Soccer Coaches Association has issued a scathing rebuke of Chung Mong-gyu, the president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), accusing him of mismanagement and using soccer figures as scapegoats.
In a statement released on July 1, the coaches’ group criticized Chung’s handling of the recent resignation of Chung Hae-sung, the head of the KFA’s National Team Committee. They alleged that Chung Hae-sung’s departure amounted to a de facto dismissal, claiming that Chung Mong-gyu had already chosen a preferred national team coach but grew distrustful when the committee recommended someone else.
“The process from Chung Hae-sung’s appointment to his effective dismissal clearly demonstrates how haphazard and patchwork President Chung’s management of the association is,” the statement said.
The criticism comes amid a series of disappointments for South Korean soccer. The national team suffered an embarrassing quarterfinal exit at the 2023 Asian Cup in January. In April, the under-23 squad failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics under coach Hwang Sun-hong.
Furthermore, after dismissing head coach Jürgen Klinsmann, the KFA has struggled to find a permanent replacement. As a result, the national team relied on interim coaches Hwang Sun-hong and Kim Do-hoon for World Cup qualifiers in March and June, respectively.
The coaches’ group also criticized the frequent changes to the KFA’s coach selection process under Chung’s leadership since 2013. (Yonhap)
The coaches’ association defended Chung Hae-sung’s efforts during this difficult period, noting that he faced public criticism and attended press conferences during challenging times. They also explained that the committee had suggested both foreign and domestic coaching candidates after several prospects rejected the KFA’s low salary offers.
“It’s well known that President Chung is the de facto and official final decision-maker for all important decisions,” the statement continued. “We call on him to stop using soccer figures as mere props or disposable tools for his own achievements and his bid for a fourth term as president.”
The coaches’ group also criticized the frequent changes to the KFA’s coach selection process under Chung’s leadership since 2013. They pointed out that the responsibility has shifted between various committees, including the Technical Committee, National Team Coach Selection Committee, and National Team Committee, before recently returning to the Technical Committee.
After dismissing head coach Jürgen Klinsmann, the KFA has struggled to find a permanent replacement.
“Has any previous president changed the system for the same task so frequently based on individuals rather than a consistent system?” the statement questioned.
The Soccer Coaches Association, which includes coaches from elementary school to professional levels, was officially launched in April 2024. The organization is headed by Seol Dong-sik, a former high school coach.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
