Korea Football Association (KFA) Vice Chairman Lee Dong-guk, Vice Chairman Lee Young-pyo, and Social Contribution Chairman Cho Won-hee decided to leave the association.
On the 28th of last month, KFA distributed a press release ahead of the kick-off against Uruguay in the second leg of the March A match of the ‘Hana Bank Invitational National Football Team Friendly Match’. It was a decision to pardon 100 disciplinary soccer players according to the decision of the board of directors. The targets were former and current players, coaches, referees, and group executives who were being disciplined for committing various misconduct. In 2011, 48 match-fixing expulsions that shook the foundation of professional football were also included.
The first pardon in 14 years. However, an unconvincing reason was presented. KFA said, “We congratulated ourselves on advancing to the 10th consecutive World Cup last year and advancing to the round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar, and reflected the opinions of the frontlines who proposed an amnesty for harmony and a new start in the soccer world. There is also the purpose of giving another chance to soccer players who become successful,” he said, introducing the background of the pardon.
The association has evolved, but the controversy has reached its peak. Eventually, KFA held a temporary board meeting on the 31st and completely withdrew the amnesty measure. The association said, “When dealing with disciplinary action for serious criminal acts such as match fixing, we should have thought more deeply and listened to opinions from all walks of life, but our thoughts were short and we lacked awareness. I am very sorry for causing concern.”
The controversy has not abated to this day. In the midst of this, Vice Chairman Lee Dong-guk, Vice Chairman Lee Young-pyo, and Social Contribution Chairman Cho Won-hee announced their decision to leave KFA. Through social media, the three apologized to soccer fans for this pardon, and announced that they would take responsibility and give up their titles.
[Hereinafter, Vice Chairman Lee Dong-guk, Vice Chairman Lee Young-pyo, and Social Contribution Chairman Cho Won-hee’s full text]
- Vice Chairman Lee Dong-
guk Hello, this is Lee Dong-guk.
I would like to tell you my thoughts and position on a series of processes, such as the recent decision and withdrawal of the pardon by the Korea Football Association.
First of all, we apologize for causing concern to fans who love soccer more than anyone else, fellow seniors and juniors, and officials.
In February of this year, I was offered the position of vice president of the Korea Football Association at the suggestion of the Korea Football Association. It was a time to learn and understand the business, and it was an internal agenda, but I feel a sense of responsibility that I could not prevent by confidently speaking about my experience as a Gyeonggi-do person.
I entered the association with the hope that I could repay the love I received as a player through administration, but I was lacking in my duties as vice president. I am fully aware of my responsibility for this and intend to step down from the position at this time.
We will repay you by leading by example to develop Korean soccer and create a healthy sports culture. Once again, I would like to apologize to everyone who loves football.
Posted by Lee Dong-guk
- Vice Chairman Lee Young-pyo
A message to all soccer fans in Korea
I am stepping down from the post of vice president of the Korea Football Association today, taking responsibility for failing to block the passage of the board of directors regarding the Korean Football Association’s disciplinary amnesty last week.
As a member of the Football Association, as a member of the Football Association, I feel with a heavy heart all the criticisms of football fans.
Also, as vice president of the Korea Football Association, I am sorry for not fulfilling my role. We apologize once again for not fulfilling our responsibilities where we should be.
thank you
Lee Young-pyo’s dream.
- Cho Won-hee, Social Contribution Chairman
Hello. This is Jo Won-hee.
As one of the footballers, I would like to sincerely apologize for disappointing football fans regarding the amnesty overturned by the Korea Football Association’s board of directors.
I am sorry that this happened not long after I served as the Korea Football Association’s social contribution chairman, and as one of the people on the board at the time, I sincerely apologize for hurting fans who love soccer.
I know that nothing I can say can comfort the hearts of football fans. I am also well aware that many people have been greatly disappointed with Jo Won-hee because of this incident. I am also ashamed of this job and I am greatly disappointed in myself for my lack of self.
As a person who truly loves soccer and as the Social Contribution Chairman of the Korea Football Association, I wanted to make positive changes through soccer, but I desperately felt that my current capabilities were insufficient, so I would like to step down as the Social Contribution Chairman of the Korea Football Association.
Once again, we apologize for causing concern to fans who love soccer. 안전놀이터