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Football Association apologizes five days after Round of 32 elimination… Fans say, 'They're quick to do it'

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Korea Football Association issued a formal apology five days after the national team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
  • The association acknowledged the disappointment caused by the results and pledged to reflect and prepare for the future of Korean football.
  • Fans reacted with criticism, questioning the timing and sincerity of the apology, while the association also addressed unconfirmed reports and outlined plans for future coaching appointments and the presidential election.

Five days after their disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued its first official apology. The association expressed sincere regret for the results that fell short of expectations, acknowledging the disappointment felt by fans.

We sincerely apologize for disappointing you with results different from expectations in the 2026 World Cup.

— Korea Football AssociationIssuing a formal apology for the team's performance.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the KFA stated, "We sincerely apologize for disappointing you with results different from expectations in the 2026 World Cup."

The association pledged to use this failure as a lesson, promising deep reflection and preparation for the future of Korean football. "We will humbly listen to all your criticisms and accusations and strive for a better Korean football," the statement continued. However, the KFA also took the opportunity to address what it called "speculative reports based on unconfirmed tips," asserting that these were "completely untrue."

We will humbly listen to all your criticisms and accusations and strive for a better Korean football.

— Korea Football AssociationPledging to address fan feedback and improve the national team.

Fans, however, met the apology with skepticism and sharp criticism. Comments on the KFA's Instagram post included sentiments like, "You're asking us to believe you again after all this chaos?" and "You've insulted me." Calls for the dissolution of the KFA were also prevalent, with many expressing frustration at the perceived tardiness of the apology, such as "Wow, that was fast."

We also inform you that speculative reports based on various unconfirmed tips that have been reported as news are completely untrue.

— Korea Football AssociationAddressing unconfirmed media reports surrounding the team's performance.

The KFA also provided updates on its leadership and coaching situation. Chairman Chung Mong-gyu, who bears responsibility for the team's failure, has offered his resignation, and former head coach Hong Myung-bo has stepped down. The KFA's Enhancement Committee is set to discuss various directions for selecting the next head coach, prioritizing stability for the national team as it prepares for the Asian Cup. Additionally, the association is deliberating on the upcoming presidential election, adhering to regulations that require an election within 60 days of a vacancy, while ensuring compliance with FIFA and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation's statutes.

You're asking us to believe you again after all this chaos?

— FanExpressing skepticism towards the KFA's apology.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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