Seoul police to directly investigate KFA coach appointment allegations after 2-year delay

Seoul police will directly investigate allegations surrounding the appointment of former national football team coach Hong Myung-bo, a move that comes more than two years after the initial complaint was filed. The case, initially handled by the Jongno Police Station, has been transferred to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's financial crime investigation unit, signaling an acceleration of the probe.

The investigation stems from a complaint filed in February 2024 by the civic group Fair Society for People's Livelihoods. The group accused the Korea Football Association (KFA) Chairman Chung Mong-gyu and others of undue interference in the selection of the national team coach, alleging abuse of power and obstruction of business.

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The Korea Football Association complaint case will be transferred to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's 광역수사단 금융범죄수사대 (Wide Area Investigation Unit's Financial Crimes Investigation Division) considering the importance of the matter and will continue to be investigated.

Police had received eight complaints related to the matter and had been investigating for over two years without a clear conclusion. Meanwhile, a Seoul Administrative Court ruled in April that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's decision to nullify the KFA's disciplinary action was appropriate, finding that Chairman Chung had indeed intervened in the coach recommendation process without proper authority.

The controversy surrounding Hong's appointment has resurfaced as the KFA faces scrutiny following the national team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official stated on June 29 that they would "actively conduct the necessary investigations" into the KFA complaint.

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We will actively conduct the necessary investigations.