KFA Chairman Chung Mong-gyu will serve as the AFC Associations Committee vice chairman until 2027, the KFA announced on Monday.
The AFC Associations Committee is one of 16 standing committees within the Asian governing body, responsible for discussing and overseeing matters between the AFC and its member associations.
Chung Mong-gyu’s new role as vice chairman of the AFC Associations Committee increases his influence within the AFC, following his unopposed election to the AFC Executive Committee in May.
Despite his growing presence in football administration, Chung has faced criticism from Korean football fans since the beginning of the year. The backlash stems from allegations that he appointed the now-dismissed Korean national team manager, Jurgen Klinsmann, on his own.
Calls for Chung Mong-gyu to resign as KFA chairman have intensified in recent months. A Korean non-profit organization filed a criminal complaint against him in February over his role in the Jurgen Klinsmann affair, and again in July, accusing him of being involved in the controversial appointment of Hong Myung-bo as Klinsmann’s replacement.
The decision to appoint Hong sparked controversy, not only because Hong had previously indicated he would decline the offer, but also due to concerns that KFA Technical Director Lee Lim-saeng bypassed the selection committee—formed in February to find a new manager—and made the appointment unilaterally.
During a July 8 press conference, Lee stated that Chung Mong-gyu had instructed him to take charge of the appointment process after the previous head of the selection committee, Chung Hae-sung, resigned.
The non-profit organization argued in July that appointing Hong without the national team committee’s agreement interfered with the proper functioning of the KFA. Additionally, they claimed that offering him the job without first agreeing on salary terms was a breach of duty.
Chairman Chung has not commented on his involvement in the appointment process or responded publicly to the non-profit’s complaints.