Latest news with #ChungMong-gyu
France 24
23-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Son's European 'milestone' shows South Korea strength
The 32-year-old forward became the first Asian player to captain a team to a European title when he helped Spurs beat Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao on Wednesday. Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu said he had "stayed up through the early hours" watching the final and cheering the national team captain to a "historic milestone". "This triumph once again showcases the strength of Korean football on the global stage," Chung wrote in a statement. "As always, thank you for bringing such big joy and inspiration to the people of our football-loving nation. "I offer my heartfelt congratulations and look forward to seeing you continue to write new chapters in the history of Korean football." Son lifted the trophy -- the first of his career -- with a South Korean flag wrapped around his waist. Son joined Spurs from German side Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. He was the Premier League's joint-top scorer in the 2021-22 season along with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah on 23 goals. He said after Wednesday's triumph that he had felt the pressure to deliver Tottenham's first trophy since 2008 after a number of near misses. "I wanted it so badly," said an emotional Son.
South China Morning Post
27-02-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
South Korea re-elect controversial football chief who tried to overturn match-fixings bans
Chung Mong-gyu said he felt a sense of 'responsibility' after being elected president of the Korean Football Association for a fourth time on Wednesday, despite being dogged by controversy. Advertisement Chung, 63, who has led the Korea FA since 2013, has been widely criticised for his decision-making, but remains as the country's top football official after securing around 85 per cent of votes. He has been under fire for an attempt to pardon players banned for life for match-fixing and the unpopular appointment of Jurgen Klinsmann as national coach. South Korea's men – captained by Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min – have enjoyed highs and lows during Chung's time at the KFA. They won three consecutive Asian Games gold medals in 2014, 2018 and 2022, reached the World Cup knockout phase at Qatar 2022 but underperformed at the Asian Cup, which they last won in 1960. Chung Mong-gyu's appointment of Jurgen Klinsmann (pictured) as men's team manager angered fans. Photo: EPA Chung had faced allegations that he bypassed proper hiring procedures to secure the appointment of Klinsmann.
