Rep. Park Soo-hyun of the Democratic Party of Korea demanded a responsible attitude from Chung Mong-kyu, chairman of the Korea Football Association.
Chairman Chung attended a comprehensive audit of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on the afternoon of the 24th. He did not attend the parliamentary audit on the 22nd due to his overseas business trip, but he attended on the same day.
Rep. Park mentioned the official letter from FIFA, talking about the ongoing controversy over unfairness at the Korea Football Association. It was reported on Thursday that FIFA sent an official letter to the Korea Football Association on June 30 saying that the government should secure autonomy in soccer administration.
FIFA values independent management of associations. Article 14 clause 1 of the articles of incorporation also stipulates that the association should not be interfered with by third parties. Article 15 also emphasizes “political neutrality.” Violators will be given disciplinary measures such as suspension of qualification.
While there are cases of Kuwait and Indonesia, which were sanctioned for the content, many point out that the Korea Football Association is trying to get out of a disadvantageous situation.
After receiving the official FIFA letter from Chung, Park asked if he had explained anything to FIFA about the current issue. “FIFA said it would keep watching and asked them to report on the progress, but they haven’t reported anything yet,” Chung said.
Then, Park said, “If I were the president, I would have explained to FIFA that it was a domestic procedure to correct unfairness,” adding, “Isn’t it not a responsible attitude to say that FIFA is not the third-party intervention that FIFA is talking about?” Chung said, “I will tell you that when FIFA President visits Korea next week.”
Representative Park stressed, “The chairman should explain it instead of making the public anxious by letting them know that the official letter came from FIFA.” Chairman Chung said, “Then I will think about it,” and added, “I think the chairman will be able to hear the domestic public opinion directly.”
“Are you not ashamed of yourself as a businessman?” he said, referring to the KFA’s labor union’s call for Chung not to run for the next presidential election. “I don’t understand why you are criticized and reprimanded for sticking to such a position. Isn’t it much better to focus on business?” 메이저사이트
Chairman Chung said, “I think we should do our best as the president of the association for the development of soccer,” adding, “The company is also trying to manage well and pay a lot of taxes and help the national economy.”
Meanwhile, Culture Minister Yoo In-chon also said, “We have confirmed the official letter sent by FIFA. If the government removes the Korea Football Association by changing the law or forcefully dismisses the coach, it could be a matter of autonomy,” he said. “Since the government is pointing out the issue of fairness, I don’t think it would be (sanctions) like that.”