South Korea police raid football association over Hong appointment process | Football News
Seoul Police Investigate Korea Football Association Amid Controversial Coaching Appointment
Published on August 6, 2026
Seoul police have conducted a raid at the Korea Football Association (KFA) headquarters as part of an investigation into potential obstruction of business related to the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
Hong, who returned to lead the national team in 2024 after an earlier tenure from 2013 to 2014, has faced scrutiny following the KFA’s decision to abandon a lengthy search process that included foreign candidates, opting instead for his appointment after a brief meeting.
These concerns intensified following South Korea’s lackluster performance in the FIFA World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the group stage. At a parliamentary hearing last month, Hong dismissed allegations from lawmakers regarding special treatment in his selection but accepted responsibility for the team’s shortcomings in the tournament.
In October 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that the KFA had violated its own protocols during Hong’s appointment and that of former coach Jurgen Klinsmann, noting that the meeting between the technical director and Hong did not meet the standards of a formal interview.
Despite these findings, the ministry concluded that there was no evidence of illegal activity and did not recommend the cancellation of Hong’s contract. Prior to the World Cup, police were already looking into complaints suggesting inappropriate influence in Hong’s appointment.
As of now, no criminal charges have been announced against Hong or any officials associated with the KFA. The KFA has not yet responded to inquiries from Al Jazeera regarding the ongoing investigation.
