Korea Football Association(KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu officially launched his bid for a fourth term, despite public calls for his resignation due to controversy over lack of fairness and transparency in management.

According to the KFA on Monday, Chung submitted his declaration of intent to register as a candidate for president of the governing body, ahead of the election set for January 8.

Chung has been automatically suspended from his duties and KFA Vice President Kim Jeong-bae will serve as acting president.

Chung, who beat out three rival candidates before being first elected to the KFA's top post in January 2013, sought the next two terms without a race for candidacy.

Once the Commission for Fair Play in Sport at the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee(KSOC) approves his bid for a fourth term, Chung is expected to run against Huh Jung-moo, a former head coach of the men's national team.

Meanwhile, the KFA plans to appeal this week findings from the sports ministry's investigation into allegations surrounding the contested appointment of Hong Myung-bo as head coach of the national men's team in July.