According to Naver, FIFA and AFC have sent a formal letter to the Korea Football Association (KFA) requesting information on the progress of the presidential election and the activities of the K-Football Reform Committee.

On the 23rd, FIFA and AFC sent a formal letter to the KFA, requesting specific details regarding the election process initiated due to the vacancy of the presidency, as well as several current issues surrounding the KFA. Both organizations specifically emphasized that the materials must include the activities and discussion results of the government-led K-Football Reform Committee.

The K-Football Reform Committee is a temporary body established after the South Korean national team's elimination from the group stage of the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup, with the aim of fundamentally improving the state of South Korean football. Currently, Park Ji-sung, a member of the FIFA Men's Football Stakeholders Committee, and Ryu Seung-min, president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, serve as co-chairs.

However, FIFA and AFC prohibit governments from interfering politically in the administration of their national football associations. Therefore, the possibility that a government-led K-Football Reform Committee could exert undue influence on KFA decisions appears to be a concern for both organizations.

In fact, FIFA and AFC warned in their official letter that "all FIFA and AFC member associations have a legal obligation to handle matters independently without undue influence from third parties. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in penalties in accordance with FIFA and AFC regulations."

From its inception, the K-Football Reform Committee stated, "We are not an organization capable of political interference and pushing things forward." It also made it clear that it would not infringe upon the independence of the Football Association.

However, FIFA and AFC are closely monitoring the impact of this government-led interim body on KFA operations. It is expected that both organizations will review the relevant activities and discussions after receiving them, and determine whether there is any compromise to their independence.

Image = Getty Images South Korea

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