Seoul police have raided the headquarters of the Korea Football Association (KFA) as part of an investigation into the alleged crime of “obstructing business” in connection with the appointment of former head coach Hong Myung-bo.
Hong returned to lead the national team in 2024, following a previous stint from 2013 to 2014. His appointment sparked controversy when the KFA abandoned a months-long search that had focused on foreign candidates and chose him after a brief meeting.
The issue resurfaced after South Korea’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign, in which the team was eliminated in the group stage. At a parliamentary hearing last month, Hong rejected lawmakers’ accusations that he received preferential treatment during the appointment process, while accepting responsibility for the team’s failure at the tournament.
In October 2024, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the KFA had violated its own regulations in appointing both Hong and former coach Jurgen Klinsmann, determining that the meeting between the technical director and Hong did not constitute a proper interview. However, the ministry found no evidence of legal violations and did not request Hong’s contract be terminated.
Before the World Cup, police had investigated complaints alleging undue interference in Hong’s appointment. To date, no criminal conclusion has been announced against Hong or KFA officials. The KFA did not immediately respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment.
