South Korean police entered the headquarters of the Korea Football Association on Thursday, seizing documents as part of an investigation into alleged obstruction surrounding the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung‑bo.
Hong, who previously coached the side from 2013 to 2014, was re‑engaged in early 2024 after a brief search for foreign candidates was abandoned, a move that came just weeks before the country’s disastrous World Cup group‑stage exit.
Ministry finds rule breaches in two high‑profile appointments
A parliamentary hearing revealed that the sports ministry determined the KFA had violated its own selection regulations in both Hong’s case and that of former coach Jürgen Klinsmann, who also received a short‑term contract despite limited interview processes.
While the ministry concluded that no illegal conduct had occurred, it emphasized that the procedural lapses warranted scrutiny, and police had previously examined complaints of improper interference before the tournament.
Hong himself denied any special treatment but accepted responsibility for the team’s performance, and although the ministry noted the violations, his contract was not terminated and no criminal charges have been filed against him or any KFA officials.