A sports agency executive has claimed that the Korea Football Association (KFA) had a prearranged plan for the coach selection process.
Pietro Jun, who introduced himself as the CEO of JP Sports Group, posted on Instagram on Sept. 19, “I’m revealing the truth about the selection process for the South Korean men’s national football team coach to the South Korean people.” He added, “I just wanted to contribute to Korean football without seeking any financial gain, commission, or any other benefit.”
Jun said, “Hervé Renard, who had been widely discussed, waited patiently for the KFA’s response until the very end. However, he was deeply shocked by their disrespectful handling of the situation, which left me in the uncomfortable position of having to apologize to Renard personally.”
Renard has managed several African national teams, including Zambia, Angola, Ivory Coast, and Morocco. In 2019, he was appointed head coach of Saudi Arabia, leading them to the Qatar World Cup and setting a record for the most wins by a foreign coach with 18 victories. He recently managed the French women’s national team at the Paris Olympics and has expressed his intention to leave the team after the tournament, making him a possible candidate for the South Korean men’s team.
Despite the KFA tracking Renard, the meeting reportedly fell through after he requested a venue change before the scheduled interview.
The JP Sports Group CEO claimed, “Renard accepted all terms, including salary and living conditions, but the KFA ignored him. False information about Renard spread through the media.” He added, “It seemed like the decision had already been made, with Hong Myung-bo appointed before Renard was given a fair chance. The KFA’s lack of transparency was deeply disappointing.”
Jun also mentioned suggesting meetings with agents representing Spain’s national coach, Luis de la Fuente, but received no response from KFA Director Lee Im-saeng. “Strangely, a Euro-winning coach was offered around 900 million won (about €650,000), yet Hong Myung-bo ended up with an even higher salary,” he noted. Hong’s salary reportedly matches that of foreign coaches.
“It was clear that the decision on the coach’s appointment had been made in advance,” Jun said. “The KFA formally requested candidates from me and I submitted a list, but they did not provide any information to the coaches or agents involved.” When Jun inquired, the KFA responded only that “the list could change.” Jun added, “This strange administration reveals deeper issues within the KFA.”
Jun continued, “People might think I’m just a frustrated agent from a failed deal, but my concern for Korean football is genuine.” He also questioned the KFA, asking, “Couldn’t you handle things better so as not to frustrate the public? Do you really think of the Korean people as fools, with no right to access football, merely subjects of information control?”
The Chosun Ilbo made several attempts to contact the KFA for a response to Jun’s claims but received no reply.
