The head coach of South Korea's national football team has resigned following an investigation into the team's performance at the 2022 World Cup. The Korea Football Association confirmed that the coach, whose identity has not been formally disclosed, stepped down after a review panel criticised tactical decisions and training methods during the tournament, where South Korea failed to advance past the group stage.
The investigation, initiated in December, focused on internal discord and a perceived lack of strategic coherence. While the full report has not been made public, sources indicate that the coach's departure was mutually agreed upon to facilitate a fresh start ahead of the 2023 Asian Cup.
Separately, the British Football Association issued a statement emphasising its commitment to elite coaching standards in light of the South Korean probe. The FA noted that its own coach education programmes, which include rigorous mentoring and performance analysis, serve as a benchmark for international best practice. A spokesperson said: "We constantly review our methods to ensure that coaches at all levels are equipped with the necessary skills to lead effectively."
The FA's remarks come as several national federations reassess their coaching frameworks following high-profile resignations. South Korea's struggles have been attributed partly to a lack of continuity in its technical direction, with three different coaches since 2018.
Analysts suggest that the British FA's proactive stance reflects a broader effort to safeguard its reputation as a leader in football development. The organisation has invested heavily in grassroots coaching and will host a summit on coaching excellence later this year.
The resignation in Seoul is expected to trigger a succession process, with candidates including former domestic league winners and overseas-based Korean managers. The KFA has not set a deadline for appointing a new coach.
