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SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) — Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu said Tuesday that FIFA’s head honcho Gianni Infantino “doesn’t understand” the controversy surrounding the hiring process for the men’s national team head coach here.
Chung made the remarks in a scrum with reporters before attending the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Annual Awards ceremony at Kyung Hee University in Seoul. Infantino was on hand as South Korea hosted the top Asian football awards ceremony for the first time.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L) and Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu shake hands during their meeting at the KFA House in Seoul on Oct. 28, 2024. (Yonhap)
Chung and the KFA faced flak over the hiring of Hong Myung-bo as new head coach of the men’s team in July, with critics charging that the football federation did not put Hong through a proper vetting process and it only brought Hong aboard after an impromptu meeting with the coach, rather than having a formal interview.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been investigating the situation for months. Chung, Hong and other KFA officials were grilled by lawmakers during a parliamentary questioning session in September.
Amid the ministry’s investigation, FIFA even warned the KFA of possible sanctions for violating its obligation to operate independently.
“I’ve spoken to FIFA about the situation, and I’ve given (Infantino) detailed explanations,” Chung told reporters. “And he has often said he doesn’t understand why this is considered problematic. He told me the responsibility ultimately lies with the head of the national federation.”
Infantino visited the KFA’s headquarters in Seoul on Monday evening, and told reporters there that “the autonomy of sport is crucial for us.”
“For me and for FIFA, the KFA is run exceptionally well. Everything is great,” Infantino also said.
Chung said Infantino “has apparently stayed on top of what’s happening” in South Korea, with FIFA also keeping tabs on media reports coming out of the country.
Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu speaks with reporters before attending the Asian Football Confederation Annual Awards ceremony at Kyung Hee University in Seoul on Oct. 29, 2024. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
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