The Korea Football Association has tentatively set Dec. 18 as the date for the election of its next president, filling a leadership vacuum that has lasted four months. It is the first time the association has named a specific date since former President Chung Mong-gyu stepped down in July, having previously offered only a broad commitment to choose a successor within the year.
Lee Yong-soo, the association's vice president and acting chief, told the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on the 21st that "it is not at the final confirmation stage, but we are proceeding with preparations with Dec. 18 as the target," responding to lawmakers' questions about the election timetable and plans to improve the association's governance.
Lee said the association is considering expanding the electorate to about 20,000 people, following consultations with its innovation committee, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. Elections for the association's presidency have long been run through a structure centered on a small group of delegates, drawing criticism that the vote was closed to outsiders. Widening the electorate to 20,000 would broaden the range of views reflected from across the sport, including coaches, referees, players and amateur club members.
Whether the schedule holds remains uncertain. Holding the election requires a revision of the association's articles of association first, a complex process tied to the rules of umbrella organizations and international governing bodies.
On that point, Lee said the revision work with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee and the ministry must be completed first, and the articles must also be aligned with those of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. "Consultations are currently under way," he said.
Lee added that he takes seriously the extent of criticism directed at the association's administration, and said he hopes a newly elected president will lead reform and innovation in earnest.