Get you up to speed: South Korea police raid football association over Hong appointment process
Seoul police have raided the Korea Football Association (KFA) offices as part of an investigation into the appointment of former coach Hong Myung-bo. The inquiry focuses on allegations of an “obstruction of business” related to the lack of a proper interview process for Hong’s selection.
Seoul police are investigating the Korea Football Association (KFA) for “obstruction of business” related to the appointment of Hong Myung-bo, following a parliamentary hearing that highlighted irregularities in the interview process. The KFA has faced scrutiny since October 2024, when the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism determined that its own rules were breached during the appointments of both Hong and Jurgen Klinsmann.
Seoul police have launched an “obstruction of business” investigation into the Korea Football Association (KFA) regarding the appointment process of coach Hong Myung-bo, amid claims of inadequate interview protocols. Following a parliamentary hearing where Hong addressed allegations of special treatment, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism concluded that while the KFA did breach its rules, it found no evidence of illegal conduct or grounds for contract cancellation.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether any formal actions will be taken against Hong Myung-bo or KFA officials following the investigation.
South Korean police raid football association over Hong Myung-bo’s appointment process
Sport|FootballSouth Korea police raid football association over Hong appointment process
Hong Myung-bo’s appointment under scrutiny amid raids with lack of proper interview process previously alleged.
Published On 6 Aug 20266 Aug 2026
Seoul police have raided the Korea Football Association (KFA) offices as part of an “obstruction of business” investigation into the appointment of former coach Hong Myung-bo.
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 South Korea’s disappointing FIFA 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 Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said in October 2024 that the KFA breached its own rules in the appointments of Hong and former coach Jurgen 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.
The KFA did not immediately respond to a request by WTX News for comment.
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