FIFA warns of possible ban on Korean football

(Dan Tri) - Present in Seoul to attend the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Conference, FIFA President Gianni Infantino warned that he could "ban" Korean football if it is discovered that the KFA's activities are being interfered with by the Government.

The AFC Conference is taking place in Seoul (Korea). Last night (October 29), the AFC awarded the titles of the best Asian player in 2024 to male and female players, the best coach awards to the coaches of the men's and women's football teams, and many other awards.

In the coming days, the Asian Football Confederation will continue to hold conferences and discussions on continental football issues. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is present at the AFC conference.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) meets with KFA President Chung Mong Gyu in Seoul (Photo: Yonhap).

One of the first figures to be privately contacted by the FIFA chief, on the sidelines of the AFC conference, was the president of the Korean Football Association (KFA) Chung Mong Gyu.

According to Korean media, Mr. Gianni Infantino has just warned Korean football: "FIFA can issue international sanctions against Korean football, if it discovers that KFA's activities are not independent, meaning there is intervention from state management agencies."

The cause of the incident originated when the KFA appointed coach Hong Myung Bo to take over the Korean national team's coach position in July, replacing coach Jurgen Klinsmann (German). Mr. Hong Myung Bo had a difficult start, with a few matches preparing for the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia, with poor results.

If banned by FIFA, the Korean team will be immediately eliminated from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia (Photo: AFC).

This raised public opinion that KFA lacked transparency in selecting coach Hong Myung Bo, instead of other candidates. Immediately, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea (VH-TT-DL) stepped in to investigate the KFA's coach selection process.

Last month, KFA officials were questioned by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as well as some lawmakers in Korea in the country's parliament. The move reached the ears of FIFA. The world football federation was not happy with the state management agency's interference in the KFA's activities.

Faced with the risk of being banned by FIFA from participating in international football activities for a limited period of time due to the above interference, KFA President Chung Mong Gyu had an explanation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Mr. Chung Mong Gyu revealed to the Korean media: "I talked to the head of FIFA and gave a detailed explanation of the issues just mentioned to Mr. Gianni Infantino. He advised us that the KFA must be responsible for its activities and choices."

According to Mr. Chung Mong Gyu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino will continue to monitor the situation of Korean football through the media, before deciding whether to investigate the incident further or not.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/fifa-canh-bao-co-the-cam-van-bong-da-han-quoc-20241030130324630.htm