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South Korea police raid football association over coach appointment probe
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

South Korea police raid football association over coach appointment probe

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • South Korean police raided the national football association's offices as part of an investigation into the appointment of the former coach.
  • The probe centers on allegations of obstruction of business during the recruitment of coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned after the team's World Cup exit.
  • President Lee Jae Myung criticized leadership appointments based on loyalty and factionalism, while fans expressed anger over the team's performance.

Seoul police on Thursday raided the Korea Football Association (KFA) offices, conducting "search and seizure operations" as part of an investigation into the appointment of former coach Hong Myung-bo. The probe focuses on allegations of "obstruction of business" during the recruitment process.

looking into whether there were charges of obstruction of business during the appointment of Hong Myung-bo

— police spokesmanSeoul police stated that financial crimes investigators are examining whether senior KFA officials improperly intervened in Hong's appointment.

Hong resigned in June after South Korea's disappointing performance in the World Cup, where they were eliminated at the group stage. Scrutiny of his 2024 appointment intensified following the team's failure to advance to the knockout rounds.

Seoul police stated that financial crimes investigators are examining whether senior KFA officials improperly intervened in Hong's appointment, potentially violating internal rules. Local media reported similar allegations.

incompetent people

— President Lee Jae MyungPresident Lee Jae Myung blamed the team's failure on 'incompetent people' promoted to leadership positions.

President Lee Jae Myung has blamed the team's failure on "incompetent people" promoted to leadership positions, alluding to "loyalty and factionalism" influencing recruitment. Fans had previously voiced their anger, booing Hong upon his return from the World Cup and demanding his removal.

full responsibility

— Hong Myung-boHong Myung-bo said he took 'full responsibility' for the poor performance at a parliamentary hearing.

The KFA declined to comment when contacted by AFP. Hong had previously admitted at a parliamentary hearing that he was struggling to understand what went wrong with the team's performance. He also faced questions about his reported salary of 3.8 billion won (US$2.6 million), which he disputed without disclosing the correct figure.

Hong out!

— South Korea fansSouth Korea fans greeted Hong's return from the World Cup with boos and chants of 'Hong out!'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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