The Koreans are spending almost $2bn on the event and have an organising committee with two co-chairmen.

The statement which prompted the row was sent by the Korean Football Association (KFA), which is headed by Chung Mong-joon - the co-chairman of the organising committee, a vice president of football's world governing body Fifa, and a powerful politician.

The statement insisted that the KFA should lead the management of the organising committee and the preparations for the World Cup finals.

The KOWOC is seen as being controlled by Lee. It also issued a statement refuting the KFA's claim and saying the association should take its hands off.

At the internationally televised World Cup draw in Pusan, Mr Chung took a prominent part, while Mr Lee had little involvement with the proceedings.

The government, which set up the system of co-chairmanship, has reacted cautiously to the row, saying that the organising committee is responsible for any change in its structure and is loath to step into the wrangle.

But with the major logistical and political problems of co-hosting the event with Japan, and having spent several billions of dollars of public funds preparing to stage the World Cup finals, it may feel there is no other choice.