Huh Jung-moo (69), former chairman of the Daejeon Hana Citizen’s board of directors who aims to transform Korean soccer and the Korea Football Association (KFA), clearly showed his commitment to reform the organization. However, critics say that in order to win votes, a detailed plan is also needed to realize his pledges.
Former chairman Huh Jung-moo held a press conference on the 25th and officially announced his candidacy for the 55th president of the Korea Football Association. He vowed to lay the groundwork for Korean soccer to perform better on the international stage and to root out a fair system in the KFA. Reform was the main point of the press conference.
In particular, Heo Jung-moo, former chairman of the board, criticized the current KFA’s management method, saying, “I like running on my feet and being together rather than being authoritative. Rather than expressing my opinion and being stubborn, I will focus on listening.” It was his intention to soothe the hearts of disillusioned soccer fans in a way that goes against Chung Mong-gyu’s arbitrary management.
While internal and external public sentiment toward Chairman Chung Mong-kyu is worsening, former chairman Huh Jung-moo’s will to reform deserves positive response from fans. In fact, the reaction was mixed after former chairman Huh announced his candidacy, but there were some fans who supported him. It also played a part in the atmosphere that the head of Korean soccer, which will lead the KFA from next year, should not be Chung.
While it is important to drive fans’ enthusiasm, the electorate for the president of the Korea Football Association consists of about 200 soccer players, including representatives from KFA, executives from affiliated organizations, and leaders, players, and referees. This means that the electorate should win votes from soccer players who know the soccer world inside out.
It is unclear whether Heo Jung-moo, former chairman of the board, won the hearts of them through a press conference for his candidacy. After being elected, he will be able to examine the situation and draw the future only when he sits at his desk, but the specific direction of KFA operation and ways to solve the problem were somewhat ambiguous. When looking at the grounds that support the pledge, there is a question mark as to whether the voters, who are made up of soccer players, nodded.
In particular, when asked about what is better than Chung Mong-kyu, former chairman Huh Jung-moo replied, “I know the reality from youth soccer to professional teams. I have been thinking about how to develop Korean soccer.” Anyone can see the strengths of players. The best answer seemed to be to appeal to how they can perform better as chairman and how they will lead the progress of Korean soccer.
Heo finished his leadership career as Incheon United coach in 2012, and served as vice chairman of the KFA, vice president of the Korea Professional Football Association, and chairman of the Daejeon Hana Citizen. He pointed out problems in Korean soccer and presented his own blueprint based on past experiences. However, the roadmap seems to have not been fully formed yet. 토토사이트
In order to carry out the business at KFA, it is necessary to solve the practical problem of financing, and former chairman Huh Jung-moo said, “I visited the National Assembly and briefed in the city,” recalling the construction of the Yongin Football Center in the past. It was not a clear answer because it was impossible to guarantee now, long after this.
Former chairman Huh Jung-moo’s candidacy is significant in itself that he has the first candidate to run against Chung Mong-kyu. However, a more detailed and realistic plan is needed for Huh to be elected.