Seoul police investigate Korea Football Association amid controversy over coach appointment
Seoul police raided the Korea Football Association (KFA) offices on Thursday as part of an “obstruction of business” investigation into the appointment of former coach Hong Myung-bo, reports BritPanorama.
The KFA has not responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation. Hong’s reappointment as national team coach in 2024 followed a prior stint from 2013 to 2014, raising eyebrows over the association’s decision-making process.
Concerns intensified when the KFA opted to end a months-long search involving foreign candidates to appoint Hong after a brief meeting, a decision that came under scrutiny following South Korea’s disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended in a group-stage exit.
During a parliamentary hearing last month, Hong denied claims from lawmakers suggesting he received special treatment regarding his appointment. He acknowledged his role in the team’s failures during the tournament.
In October 2024, South Korea’s sports ministry reported that the KFA had violated its own rules concerning the appointments of both Hong and former coach Juergen Klinsmann, determining that the meeting between the technical director and Hong did not meet the standards of a proper interview.
Despite these findings, the ministry did not uncover evidence of illegal conduct or mandate the cancellation of Hong’s contract. Prior to the World Cup, police were already looking into complaints about improper influence in Hong’s appointment.
As it stands, no criminal findings have been made against Hong or KFA officials.
