Sports organizations should reform first instead of protesting against audit results [현장메모]

“We plan to request reconsideration.”

This is the official position released by the Korea Football Association regarding the results of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s audit. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism pointed out 27 procedural problems, including Hong Myung-bo‘s violation of procedures in the selection process for the Korean national soccer team, appointing an unqualified person as the national team coach, and signing a loan contract without approval related to the Cheonan Soccer Complex, but the Korea Football Association opposed the decision. It’s not just the Football Association. Kim Taek-gyu, president of the Korea Badminton Association, who received 30% of the sponsorship as payback and used it arbitrarily, shouted, “Who can fire me?” Lee Ki-heung, president of the Korea Sports Council, is preparing for the third election, ignoring the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s request to ‘revise self-reappointment review’.

Reporter Jeong Pil-jae, Ministry of Culture and Sports

They all have an unfair expression on their faces. The Football Association mentioned FIFA, and the Badminton Association announced legal action. They believe that central government departments intervene in administration using the budget as a weapon, but no voices are heard cheering them on. In the last government audit, the ruling and opposition parties criticized them with one voice. The Korea Football Coaches Association demanded Chairman Chung’s resignation, and the Sports Association’s labor union staged a surprise protest demanding Chairman Lee’s resignation. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Korean team won the most gold medals ever, and Ahn Se-young stood at the top in badminton, but why are they unable to avoid criticism? This is because we live in a world where the process is as important as the result.

For this reason, the issue of Coach Hong must be resolved first before the 4th term of President Chung of the Football Association. The process of appointing Director Hong was wrong. Hong Myung-Boho returned to the World Cup without a single win for the first time since the 2000s. It was an obvious failure. The process was also a mess. Prior to the announcement of the entries, Coach Hong visited a real estate site and purchased land. After announcing that the team’s performance would be the criterion for selection to the national team, he recruited members based on loyalty.

There were many great players with passion for the Korean national soccer team, but the Korea Football Association bowed down to coach Hong, who said, “I don’t want to do it.” He skipped the interview and promised a high salary. Coach Hong changed his attitude and took charge of the team. As controversy over the process arose, Coach Hong emphasized that he would lead the team with a spirit of service, saying, “There may be dismissals, but there will be no resignation.”

The reason those who have built a tower by false means persist is because of the illusion that they can cover it up with grades. The 2022 World Cup national team returned after losing 1-4 in the last match, but was welcomed by everyone. Even if Hong Myung-Boho, who set sail through an inappropriate process, succeeds in advancing to the round of 16 of the World Cup, will he receive such a welcome? It only takes a moment to collapse. There is still time until the North and Central America World Cup.

Reporter Jeong Pil-jae, Ministry of Culture and Sports

[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]