FIFA Vice President Chung interested in top post

JOHANNESBURG - Chung Mong-joon, the vice president of FIFA, has shown tentative interest in the FIFA presidency election next year.

“If I say that I’m interested, I will be quoted as saying that I’ve made the decision to enter the election,” said Chung. “My interest is not to that extent, but I am looking to do meaningful work for FIFA.”

Sepp Blatter, the current president, announced last month he will be running for his fourth term. Mohammed Bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation, has also gone on record to state he will enter the race.

“Hammam likely has a lot of interest in the election. In the last election, Blatter was the lone candidate,” said Chung. “FIFA is a very important organization. Holding an election is meaningful and will contribute to the healthy growth of FIFA as an organization.”

Asian votes account for 46 of the 208 total votes at the election next year.

Chung has been promoting Korea’s 2022 World Cup bid in South Africa.

“We face a bigger challenge than in 2002. We are up against five tough bids,” said Chung. “Korea advancing to the Round of 16 should help our cause.” By Jang Chi-hyeok