Football
Football
Football Association Referee Committee Chair Steps Down Amidst Public Controversy
Moon Jin-hee, the 63-year-old Chairman of the Korea Football Association's Referee Committee, has resigned from his position. The association confirmed his departure on the 3rd, citing "personal reasons" for the decision. According to the association's regulations, an executive's resignation takes effect immediately upon submission.
The resignation follows a contentious appearance by Moon on the 30th of last month before the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee. During the parliamentary hearing, Moon clashed with lawmakers Kim Jae-won of the Rebuilding Korea Party and Cho Kye-won of the Democratic Party.
The confrontation escalated when Representative Kim questioned the perceived monopolistic structure in referee evaluations and instructor assignments, asking if Moon was a “mafia boss of the referee world.” Moon responded with visible agitation. When Kim instructed him to “answer politely and with proper posture,” Moon retorted, “Are you telling me not to speak?” Later, when Representative Cho also addressed Moon’s demeanor, Moon interjected, “Don’t get involved there, from this morning,” leading to a temporary halt in the questioning.
Moon Jin-hee was appointed to the 54th executive board after Chung Mong-gyu was re-elected as the Football Association chairman for a third term in March 2021.
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