Seoul: Chung Mong-gyu, the current head of the Korea Football Association (KFA) and candidate for a fourth term, has urged his rivals to cease baseless slandering in their election campaigns. Chung is contending for the presidency of the national football body alongside Huh Jung-moo, former head coach of the South Korean men's national team, and Shin Moon-sun, a former television football analyst. The election has faced several delays, now rescheduled for February 26, after an initial date of January 8.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung expressed relief at the election date being firmly set and lamented unresolved issues within the KFA due to the election's postponements. During a press conference, Chung called on all candidates to halt attacks and focus on their campaigns and the election, emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could delay proceedings further. He voiced concerns that ongoing issues and mistrust could diminish public interest in the election.
While Huh and Shin have not officially consolidated their candidacies, they have been united in challenging Chung's leadership. On January 7, the Seoul Central District Court granted an injunction filed by Huh, pausing the election process. Huh raised concerns about the KFA's election management committee's composition, suggesting its members favored Chung. He also alleged the KFA attempted to exclude a specific voter group, a claim supported by Shin. Subsequently, the KFA announced a new election date for January 23, but both Huh and Shin disputed this timeline, leading to an indefinite postponement when the entire election committee resigned on January 10.
The KFA has since reformed the election committee, now comprising 11 members from various sectors, including three former National Election Commission (NEC) officials, three legal experts, three media representatives, and two academics. Park Yeong-soo, a former NEC secretary general, was appointed head of the committee on February 3.
Ahead of finalizing the new election date, the KFA filed an administrative suit against the sports ministry on January 21, challenging the ministry's demand to penalize Chung following an extensive probe last year that uncovered rule violations and irregularities. The ministry had insisted on suspending Chung and other senior executives, a decision the KFA appealed but was dismissed by the ministry in early January, prompting the KFA to seek court intervention.
Despite the legal challenges, Chung remains a candidate in the election. He reiterated there may have been misunderstandings between the KFA and the ministry and refrained from discussing the lawsuit further, stating, "I believe the KFA handled the matter appropriately."
The election delays have allowed Chung additional time to engage with football stakeholders nationwide, including players, referees, and regional football administrators. "I am grateful for that opportunity," Chung remarked, noting it provided him clarity on his objectives if re-elected.
Chung has committed to fostering a new generation of football administrators should he win, acknowledging a shortfall in developing future leaders during his previous terms. "If I win the election, I will provide full support to develop new talent that can lead Korean football in the future," he pledged.