Zhang Jilong quits as AFC vice president

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Monday announced appointment of South Korean Chung Mong Gyu as vice president, replacing China's Zhang Jilong.

The appointment of Chung as AFC's East Zone vice president was confirmed by the AFC Executive Committee following the recent resignation of Zhang, said the Asian football governing body, reports Xinhua.

Chung is the incumbent president of South Korean Football Association.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa thanked Zhang for his outstanding work in Asian football.

"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," he said in a statement.

Zhang's journey in football administration started from Chinese Football Association. From 2000 to 2011, he served as the Chairman of the AFC Finance Committee. He first became AFC Vice-President in 1997.

After the then AFC President Mohamed bin Hammam was banned by FIFA, the world football governing body, in 2011 over bribery, Zhang took the rein as AFC acting President until May 2013, and retained position as senior vice president following the election of Shaikh Salman.

Zhang also held key roles on several FIFA committees, including the Futsal Committee, Referees Committee and Security and Integrity Committee.

--IANS

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