Chung elected to lead South Korean FA for fourth term

SEOUL - South Korean businessman Chung Mong-gyu was elected to head the countrys football governing body for a fourth term on Wednesday after he withstood a scandal over the appointment of national team coaches last year that sparked calls for him to step down.

Chung won in the first round of the election to lead the Korea Football Association (KFA) for the next four years.

Speaking to the press after being reelected, Chung thanked those who voted for him and said he felt a bigger responsibility and vowed to keep his promises.

I hope the weather will be warmer and spring will come in football too, he said.

In November, Chung, who has led the KFA since 2013, faced calls from the sports ministry to be suspended for breaking its own rules when hiring two mens national team head coaches.

The recommendation was included in the final results of an audit probing the organisations recruitment of Hong Myung-bo and his predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann, which sparked a public backlash amid accusations of favouritism.

Hong had said his appointment was not the result of preferential treatment from the KFA.

A court earlier this month granted a request by the KFA to halt the execution of the ministrys demand to penalise its chief, allowing him to run for reelection, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

When asked about improving relations with the government, Chung said he would explain his position at a later date.

The businessman has previously pledged to donate 5 billion won ($3.49 million) to build a new football centre. REUTERS

Join STs Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.