Citizen Group Files Complaint Against Chung Mong-gyu, Football Association President Who Led Appointment of Klinsmann

Accused of Coercion, Obstruction of Business, and Breach of Duty
Klinsmann's Annual Salary 2.9 Billion KRW, Penalty 7 Billion KRW

As public calls for the dismissal of J?rgen Klinsmann, the head coach of the national soccer team, grow louder, a civic group has filed a complaint against Chung Mong-gyu, the president of the Korea Football Association.

The Committee for the Protection of the Common People’s Livelihood (Seominwi) announced on the morning of the 13th that it had filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against President Chung on charges including coercion, obstruction of business, and breach of trust. Kim Soon-hwan, Secretary General of Seominwi, explained the reason for the complaint, saying, "Coach Klinsmann violated the contract by damaging the honor of the Republic of Korea while serving as the head coach of the Korean national soccer team at the Qatar Asian Cup." He added, "If Klinsmann claims a penalty fee, we will seek the public’s opinion and file a claim for damages against Coach Klinsmann and the head coach."

Korea Football Association Chairman Chung Mong-gyu visited the Al Egla training ground in Doha, Qatar, where the national team was training, on the 12th of last month to observe the players.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The complaint reportedly states, "Holding all responsibility for the current situation, if Coach Klinsmann is dismissed, the penalty fee and the amount to be paid over the remaining two and a half years, as well as the amount already paid since the initial contract, are considered public funds. If these were unilaterally decided by the accused, it constitutes breach of trust."

Coach Klinsmann’s annual salary is estimated to be around 2.2 million USD (approximately 2.9 billion KRW). Klinsmann signed a contract with the Korea Football Association in March last year, with the contract period lasting until July 2026, after the North and Central American World Cup. If the coach does not resign voluntarily, a penalty fee will be incurred for the remaining contract period, and the football association is reportedly liable to pay around 7 billion KRW in penalty fees.

Jurgen Klinsmann, national team coach.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Prior to the Asian Cup, Coach Klinsmann had already faced criticism from soccer fans for frequent overseas trips and working from home, which were seen as signs of poor dedication. Additionally, the national team under Klinsmann’s leadership suffered a 0-2 defeat to Jordan in the semifinals of this Asian Cup, failing to reclaim the throne after 64 years. Throughout the tournament, the team was criticized by fans for disappointing performances that failed to dominate opponents.

Especially after the semifinal elimination, criticism continued, accusing Coach Klinsmann of not allowing star players active in Europe to fully demonstrate their abilities, and for smiling despite failing to achieve the goals.

On the morning of the 13th, soccer fans gathered in front of the Football Hall in Sinmunno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, demanding the dismissal of coach J?rgen Klinsmann, who failed to win the Qatar Asian Cup.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the same day, soccer fans held a protest in front of the Football Hall in Sinmunno, Jongno-gu, demanding Klinsmann’s dismissal. They held placards with messages such as "Dismiss Klinsmann immediately. Disclose the background, process, and salary standards of his appointment," and "Start reforming the Football Association. Chung Mong-gyu and related officials must resign en masse."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.