Police Raid Korea Football Association Amid Coaching Appointment Probe

Sports

South Korean police have raided the headquarters of the Korea Football Association (KFA) as part of an ongoing investigation into the controversial appointment of former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo. The search is linked to allegations that the federation may have breached internal procedures during the coaching selection process.

Investigators reportedly seized documents and other materials from the KFA offices to examine whether there was improper interference in the appointment process. The investigation follows months of public criticism over the federation's handling of the national team's coaching appointments, which intensified after South Korea's disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hong Myung-bo, who has since stepped down as national team coach, has denied receiving preferential treatment during his appointment, while accepting responsibility for the team's World Cup performance. Earlier reviews by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism concluded that the KFA failed to follow some of its own procedures in appointing Hong and his predecessor, Jürgen Klinsmann, although no illegal actions were identified at that stage.

The police investigation, however, is focused on whether criminal offences, including possible obstruction of business and undue influence in the hiring process, may have occurred. Authorities have not announced any charges against Hong or KFA officials, and the investigation remains ongoing.