Football Innovation Committee to Continue Discussions Remotely for Now

The K-Football Innovation Committee, launched in response to growing calls for reform in the football community following the lackluster performance at the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, has decided to continue its discussions remotely for the time being.

Co-Chairman Park Ji-sung stated during a listening session held at the Korea Football Center in Cheonan today (the 19th), "We have held meetings every week so far, but going forward, depending on the circumstances, we plan to discuss youth policies and the appointment of the national team manager on a weekly or bi-weekly to tri-weekly basis. As I also have to return to the United Kingdom, we will continue our meetings remotely."

Amid intensifying criticism of the Korea Football Association following its elimination in the Round of 32 at the North and Central America World Cup, the innovation committee—launched under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism—has held six meetings from early last month until the 11th of this month to discuss reshaping the football landscape.

At today's 7th gathering, rather than holding a regular meeting, the committee listened to voices from the field regarding areas such as youth development.

After finishing the listening session, Chairman Park met with reporters and explained regarding the committee's future plans, "We will need to monitor the situation a bit more closely. While we will hold in-person meetings if situations arise that require them, none are currently scheduled, and we will proceed remotely."

Reflecting on the past month or so of the committee's process, he shared his view, saying, "We are not yet at the concluding stage, and nothing has been finalized. It is still too early to evaluate, as I feel we must clearly demonstrate the direction that we are moving toward a different path."

Regarding the Korea Football Association presidential election, only the first steps toward institutional improvement have been taken, and pending issues in the football community, including the appointment of the national team manager, still pile up.

Chairman Park stated, "Regarding the Football Association presidential election, we already made recommendations earlier this month, and the task of changing the articles of association through the board of directors and the general assembly remains. The innovation committee plans to monitor the implementation status and provide whatever support we can."

Regarding the national team manager, he conveyed, "There will likely be sufficient areas to discuss regarding what system is necessary to appoint one as fairly as possible."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.