South Korean police investigate controversial head coach selection after World Cup failure

South Korean police conducted raids on the offices of the country's football association (KFA) on Thursday, investigating the controversial selection process of national team head coach Hong Myung-bo. The raids are part of an inquiry into allegations that the KFA deviated from its standard procedures when appointing Hong.

Hong's appointment in February 2024, after months of searching for a replacement for Jürgen Klinsmann, was met with criticism. The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism acknowledged in October 2024 that the KFA might have violated its own rules in the hiring processes for both Hong and Klinsmann. However, the ministry found no evidence of illegal activities and did not order the termination of Hong's contract.

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The KFA violated its own rules in the appointment processes for both Hong and Klinsmann.

The controversy gained renewed attention following South Korea's lackluster performance in the 2026 World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the group stage. Hong Myung-bo resigned from his position in late June. During a parliamentary hearing in July, Hong denied receiving preferential treatment in his appointment, though he accepted responsibility for the team's World Cup failure.

The KFA's internal procedures and decision-making have faced broader scrutiny in the South Korean media, with this investigation adding another layer to the ongoing concerns about the organization's governance.

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I did not receive special treatment in my appointment.