Ex-Korea football body chief, ex-nat'l team coach deny allegations of irregularities

Former Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu and former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo apologized Thursday for Korea's disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but firmly denied allegations of favoritism and procedural irregularities that have marred Korean football.

Appearing before the National Assembly's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee, the two acknowledged responsibility for failing to meet public expectations while defending their actions against a series of accusations surrounding the KFA's management and the national team's coaching appointment.

The hearing was convened following public backlash over the KFA's governance after Korea's group-stage elimination from this year's World Cup, despite greater opportunities to advance following the tournament's expansion from 32 to 48 teams.

"Having done my utmost for the development of Korean football during my tenure, I nevertheless sincerely apologize for the controversies and the disappointing World Cup result," Chung said in his opening statement.

He served four terms as KFA preside ...