(EDITORIAL from The Korea Times on Aug. 10)
The Korea Football Association (KFA) has apologized. Again.
Korean football demands a thorough investigation, not repeated apologies. After a disappointing showing in the 2026 World Cup, the Korean Football Association (KFA) apologized, underwent a parliamentary hearing, and pledged deep self-reflection, transparency, and reforms. While these responses are necessary, they are not enough to restore public trust.
The latest crisis cannot be attributed solely to a poor World Cup performance or the controversial appointment of a national team coach. Police investigations are underway to determine if improper interference occurred during the 2024 appointment of Hong Myung-bo, and the KFA's handling of the process has been criticized. The sports ministry found that the KFA had breached its own procedures in appointing both Hong and his predecessor, Jurgen Klinsmann, though not conclusively.
An independent review of the KFA's governance is necessary, and the selection of national team coaches should be transparent and auditable. Financial controls must be strengthened, conflicts of interest disclosed, and disciplinary decisions subject to clear standards. Senior officials must be held accountable for wrongdoing, not just those at the bottom.
The players' achievements should not be diminished by allegations, but the KFA's administration should not be allowed to tarnish the players' efforts. Fans should not take the KFA's trust for granted; it must earn it through transparency, accountability, and demonstrable change. A poor World Cup can be rectified on the field, but a damaged institution cannot be mended by apologetic statements.
Written by urgent.news from Yonhap News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
