Trending 
South Korean police have raided the offices of the Korea Football Association (KFA) as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
Police carried out “search and seizure operations” at the KFA headquarters on Thursday while investigating possible charges of “obstruction of business” linked to Hong’s recruitment, a police spokesperson told AFP.
The investigation focuses on whether senior officials at the football body improperly influenced the 2024 appointment process, allegedly breaching internal recruitment procedures. Local reports said authorities are examining whether the decision-making process was manipulated in favour of Hong.
Hong, 57, resigned in June after South Korea’s disappointing performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the team failed to progress from the group stage following a shock 1-0 defeat to South Africa.
The result intensified criticism of the KFA, which had already faced questions over Hong’s appointment. Expectations had been high for a squad described by South Korean media as a “golden generation”, featuring global stars including former Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min, Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in.
During a parliamentary hearing in late July, Hong accepted responsibility for the team’s failure, saying he took “full responsibility” for the poor campaign.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also criticised the leadership of the sport’s governing body, blaming the outcome on “incompetent people” who had risen to influential positions. He also referred to issues involving “loyalty and factionalism” in sports leadership appointments.
Hong’s coaching decisions during the tournament also drew public anger, particularly his choice to leave captain Son Heung-min on the bench during the first half of the crucial match against South Africa. Supporters expressed their frustration when Hong returned home from the tournament, booing him and chanting “Hong out” while applauding the players behind him.
At the parliamentary hearing, lawmakers also questioned reports that Hong received a salary of 3.8 billion won ($2.6 million), reportedly among the highest payments for a national team coach. Hong disputed the figure but declined to reveal his actual salary.
The KFA has declined to comment on the police investigation. Authorities are expected to continue reviewing documents and records related to Hong’s appointment as they determine whether any officials violated the association’s procedures.
