Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism demands severe disciplinary action of ‘minimum suspension’ for Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which has completed an audit of the administrative chaos at the Korea Football Association, has demanded that high-ranking officials, including Chairman Chung Mong-gyu, be subject to severe disciplinary action, at least suspension.

On the afternoon of the 5th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the final results of the audit that has been conducted since July regarding various controversies surrounding the Korea Football Association at the annex of the Seoul Government Complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism concluded that severe disciplinary action, including suspension, is necessary for Chairman Chung, Executive Vice Chairman Kim Jeong-bae, and Chief Technology Officer Lee Im-saeng, who were involved in the process of appointing Hong Myung-bo as national team coach.

In the case of Chairman Chung, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that they demanded severe disciplinary action against him, holding him responsible for not only the controversy over the appointment of the coach as the head of the association’s affairs, but also the inappropriate pardons for disciplined soccer players and the false application for a subsidy for the construction of the Cheonan Football Complex.

Regarding the disciplinary standards, Auditor Choi Hyun-jun said, “According to the Football Association Fair Trade Commission regulations, expulsion, dismissal, and suspension of qualifications are considered severe disciplinary actions for civil servants. I believe the Fair Trade Commission can choose among these three.”

He added, “It is not a recommendation for disciplinary action, but a request,” and “According to regulations, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has the authority to request disciplinary action, and the decision on that is made by the Fair Trade Commission of the Korea Football Association. I expect the association to make a desirable decision in line with the public’s expectations and public opinion.”

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also reiterated that there were problems with the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo and notified the association to seek ways to “fix the flaws,” including by reactivating the National Team Strengthening Committee and starting the process of reappointing him.

Source: Yonhap News