Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association (64), has abruptly announced his intention to step down from the post after the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.

The Korea Football Association announced on the 29th via an official press release that “Chairman Chung Mong-gyu plans to submit his resignation after the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, which concludes on July 19.” In a statement, Chung said, “After this World Cup ends, I intend to step down as president of the football association,” adding, “I consider it my final duty as president to do my utmost to support the national team in producing results in the finals.” As a result, Chung will leave the association 13 years after taking office in 2013.

Over the past 13 years as the head of Korean football administration, Chung has left a mixed record. During his tenure, the team achieved a victory over Germany at the 2018 Russia World Cup and reached the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and he is credited with contributing to infrastructure expansion, including breaking ground on the Cheonan Football Comprehensive Center and entrenching the K League promotion-relegation system. On the other hand, he faced fierce criticism for exposing the limits of administrative capacity amid procedural controversies over the appointment of national team coaches and the turmoil surrounding an attempted surprise amnesty for football figures and its subsequent withdrawal.

Observers say this resignation announcement was influenced by recent all-out pressure from the government. After conducting a special audit of the association, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been demanding severe disciplinary action against the leadership, including Chung, up to the level of ‘suspension from duty’. With the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism firmly declaring its intent to enforce discipline, and calls for accountability continuing in and around political and administrative circles, including National Assembly audits, the analysis gaining traction is that Chung concluded it was effectively impossible to perform his duties normally and complete his remaining term.

As Chung, who secured a fourth consecutive term last year guaranteeing his tenure until early 2029, has opted to step down midterm, a sweeping reorganization of Korea's football governance after the World Cup has become inevitable. Announcing his resignation, Chung left a final request: “Please offer unwavering support and encouragement to the national team throughout the tournament.”