Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Chung Mong Gyu (Korea Republic) has been confirmed as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) East Zone Vice-President following the recent resignation of Zhang Jilong (China PR) from the position. The AFC Executive Committee approved the appointment today.
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa paid a glowing tribute to Zhang Jilong (China PR) for his invaluable efforts and leadership: “On behalf of the AFC Executive Committee, I would like to put on record my thanks for Zhang Jilong’s support and outstanding work.
“Through his tireless devotion, unparalleled expertise and love for our game, Jilong dedicated so much to Asian football – especially when he was acting President in 2013. In every way, Asian football has certainly been enriched and inspired by his dedicated service.
“There is no doubt his wise counsel will be missed but now I am happy to announce that Chung Mong Gyu, from Korea Republic, will be the Vice-President from the East Zone.”
Zhang Jilong’s journey in football administration started in 1978 when he took up a key position with the Chinese Football Association (CFA). From 2000 to 2011, he served as the Chairman of the AFC Finance Committee. He was elected AFC Vice-President for the first time in 2002 and retained this position in the next two elections.
He was the AFC Acting President from June 2011 to May 2013 and was also appointed to the FIFA Executive Committee. Zhang Jilong was named as the Chairman of the FIFA Organising Committee for the Olympic Football Tournaments in October 2011.
He also held key roles on several FIFA Committees, including the Futsal Committee, Referees Committee and Security and Integrity Committee.