Aug. 6, 2026, 5:29 AM EDT
/ Source: Reuters
By Reuters
Seoul police raided the Korea Football Association (KFA) offices on Thursday as part of an “obstruction of business” investigation into the appointment of former coach Hong Myung-bo, police told Reuters
The KFA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment
Hong returned as national team coach in 2024 after a previous spell in charge from 2013 to 2014
His appointment came under scrutiny after the KFA abandoned a months-long search involving foreign candidates and appointed him following a brief meeting
The issue resurfaced after <a href="https://todaytrendnews7.com/u-s-military-says-there-was-no-white-phosphorus-leak-at-its-air-base-in-south-korea/" title="U.S. military says there was no white phosphorus leak at its air base in South Korea“>South Korea’s disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended in a group-stage exit
At a parliamentary hearing last month, Hong rejected suggestions by lawmakers that he had received special treatment in his appointment, while taking responsibility for South Korea’s failure at the tournament
South Korea’s sports ministry said in October 2024 that the KFA breached its own rules in the appointments of both Hong and former coach Juergen Klinsmann, finding that the technical director’s meeting with Hong did not constitute a proper interview
However, it found no evidence of illegal conduct and did not order Hong’s contract to be cancelled
Police had already been investigating complaints alleging improper interference in Hong’s appointment before the World Cup
No criminal findings have been announced against Hong or KFA officials
