Seoul police have raided the Korea Football Association (KFA) offices as part of an “obstruction of business” investigation into the appointment of national team coach Hong Myung-bo. Hong returned as national team coach in 2024 after a previous spell in charge from 2013 to 2014. His appointment came under intense scrutiny after the KFA abandoned a months-long search involving foreign candidates and selected him following a brief meeting.
The issue resurfaced following South Korea’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign, which ended in a group-stage exit. At a parliamentary hearing last month, Hong rejected suggestions by lawmakers that he had received special treatment during the recruitment process, while simultaneously taking responsibility for the team’s failure at the tournament.
South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated in October 2024 that the KFA breached its own internal rules in the appointments of both Hong and former coach Jurgen Klinsmann. The ministry found that the technical director’s meeting with Hong did not constitute a proper interview. However, the ministry found no evidence of illegal conduct and did not order the cancellation of Hong’s contract.
Police had already been investigating complaints alleging improper interference in Hong’s appointment before the World Cup began. To date, no criminal findings have been announced against Hong or any KFA officials. The KFA did not immediately respond to a request by Al Jazeera for comment regarding the ongoing investigation into their administrative procedures.
