KFA: "FIFA and AFC Request Updates on K-Football Innovation Committee"

▲ Innovation Committee Chairperson Park Ji-sung speaks during an open listening session of the K-Football Innovation Committee held at the Korea Football Park in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, on the 19th.

FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have jointly requested detailed information from the Korea Football Association (KFA) regarding discussions held by the K-Football Innovation Committee.

A KFA official stated today (the 25th), "FIFA and the AFC sent an official joint letter on the 21st, requesting a detailed breakdown of the discussions that have taken place within the K-Football Innovation Committee."

The official added, "We understand that FIFA constantly monitors the domestic football situation. It appears they want to identify any discrepancies between the actual progress of the Innovation Committee and domestic media reports. The official letter also included a provision stating under FIFA statutes that third parties must not unduly interfere with the independence of member associations, or they could face sanctions."

The Innovation Committee was launched last month to overhaul Korean football in response to widespread calls for reform triggered by the early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Led by co-chairperson Park Ji-sung, a member of the FIFA standing committees, the Innovation Committee has been comprehensively discussing key tasks to enhance the future competitiveness of South Korean football—such as K-football governance and youth player development—in line with reform demands raised in the wake of the North America World Cup.

However, expressing concerns over potential government interference or intervention in the KFA at the time of its launch, the committee emphasized, "The independence of the football association is a value and commitment that must be guaranteed. It is out of the question for the government to interfere in the association's affairs beyond the scope stipulated by law."

A KFA official stated, "We plan to objectively compile and submit the discussions that have taken place within the Innovation Committee."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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