Police Raid Korea Football Association HQ Amid Coach Appointment Probe

Police raided the headquarters of the Korea Football Association (KFA) on Thursday as part of an investigation into the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo, who led the national team during their disappointing World Cup campaign.

“

Police conducted "search and seizure operations" at the KFA offices to investigate allegations of "obstruction of business" during the hiring process for the former coach.

The police conducted "search and seizure operations" at the KFA offices to investigate allegations of "obstruction of business" during the hiring process for the former coach, a spokesperson told Agence France-Presse. Hong Myung-bo, 57, resigned in June after South Korea was eliminated from the group stage of the 48-team tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, following a surprise 0-1 loss to South Africa in the penultimate round.

“

Financial crime investigators are examining whether there is suspicion of obstructing business during Hong Myung-bo's appointment.

Questions had been raised about Hong's appointment in 2024 for some time, but scrutiny intensified after the team's failure to advance to the knockout stage. Seoul police stated that financial crime investigators are examining whether there is suspicion of obstructing business during Hong Myung-bo's appointment, according to the spokesperson. Local media reported that authorities are investigating whether senior KFA officials improperly interfered in Hong's appointment, violating internal regulations.

“

I believe the proper procedures were followed.

Hong had previously appeared before parliamentary deputies in June, admitting he bore "full responsibility" for the failure. The former national defender, who participated in the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by South Korea, faced sharp criticism from fans, analysts, and politicians. He was also booed upon his return to the country due to public dissatisfaction with his decision to keep veteran captain Son Heung-min on the bench for the South Africa match, at a time when the team only needed a draw to qualify for the next round. The country's president, Lee Jae-myung, blamed "incompetent individuals" appointed to leadership positions for the failure, in a statement that did not directly name Hong but suggested "loyalty and favoritism" influenced appointment mechanisms at the highest levels of the sport. Hong was questioned by lawmakers regarding allegations of receiving preferential treatment when appointed national team coach in 2024, with reports indicating that KFA hiring officials visited his neighborhood for interviews described as lacking transparency. Hong told lawmakers, "I believe the proper procedures were followed," denying he sought "any special privileges or benefits." Lawmakers also raised reports of his salary being 3.8 billion won ($2.6 million), a figure said to be among the highest for national team coaches. Hong confirmed the figure was incorrect but refused to disclose his actual salary.

“

I bear full responsibility for the failure.