Police raid the South Korean Federation headquarters!

Police raided the headquarters of the Korea Football Association (KFA) as part of an investigation into the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo, who led the national team during its disappointing campaign at the last World Cup. Police carried out “searches and seizures” at the association’s offices to investigate allegations of “obstruction of business” in the process of hiring the former coach Hong, a police spokesperson told AFP.

Hong, 57, resigned in June after South Korea was eliminated in the group stage of the tournament, which featured 48 teams and was hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, following a surprising 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the final group match.

Questions had been raised for some time regarding Hong’s appointment in 2024, but scrutiny intensified after the national team failed to reach the round of 32. Seoul Police stated that financial crime investigators were “examining whether there were suspicions of obstruction of business during the appointment of Hong Myung-bo,” according to the spokesperson.

Local media reported that authorities are investigating whether senior KFA officials improperly interfered in Hong’s appointment process, constituting a violation of internal regulations. In June, Hong testified before members of parliament, acknowledging that he bore “full responsibility” for the failure.

The former international defender, who played for South Korea at the 2002 World Cup hosted on home soil, faced harsh criticism from fans, analysts, and politicians. He also faced boos upon his return to the country due to public anger over his decision to bench veteran captain Son Heung-min against South Africa, a match in which the team only needed a draw to advance to the round of 32.

President Lee Jae-myung blamed “incompetent individuals” appointed to leadership positions for the failure in a statement that did not explicitly name Hong but pointed out that “loyalties and patronage” had influenced appointment mechanisms at the highest levels of the sport.

Hong faced questions before the parliamentary committee regarding allegations that he received preferential treatment when appointed national team coach in 2024, amid reports that KFA hiring officials traveled to the neighborhood where he lived to conduct interviews described as lacking transparency.

Speaking to lawmakers, Hong said, “I believe appropriate procedures were followed,” denying that he had requested “any privileges or special benefits.”