South Korea football association faces overhaul calls after World Cup flop

Democratic Party lawmaker Song Young‑gil criticised the Korea Football Association (KFA), saying the poor World Cup performance was foreseen since the 2014 Brazil tournament and highlighting irregularities in the appointment of former player Hong Myung‑bo as head coach. He called the KFA’s current system a "cancer" that needs a "major surgery," urging a complete restructuring of the association.

People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang‑hyun demanded an immediate government audit of the KFA’s use of public funds, pointing to a budget of about 100 billion won in public money and alleged opaque financial practices, including a false subsidy claim at the Cheonan football centre. He called for transparency, accountability and a reform of the association’s governance structures.

Both politicians called for sweeping reforms of the KFA to restore public trust and improve South Korea’s football performance.