South Korean police searched the headquarters of the Korea Football Association (KFA) on 6 August as part of a criminal investigation into the appointment of national team manager Hong Myung-bo. This investigation comes a month after the country’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. Investigators are examining allegations of administrative irregularities and unlawful interference in the 2024 hiring process.
The raids follow South Korea’s shock group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup. This result reignited criticism of Hong’s appointment and intensified public and political demands for accountability. This came after one of the national team’s worst tournament performances.
Inside the criminal investigation
According to Reuters, Seoul Police Financial Crimes Unit is investigating allegations of obstruction of business linked to Hong Myung-bo’s appointment. The inquiry centres on whether the Korea Football Association followed its own rules and coach selection procedures.
Police are now reviewing documents seized from the association’s headquarters to determine whether anyone improperly interfered with the selection committee. In addition, they are checking if anyone breached the approved hiring process in July 2024.
The controversy predates the World Cup
The controversy predates the World Cup. Hong Myung-bo’s appointment drew widespread criticism from the outset after he was selected following a brief meeting with Korea Football Association officials. At the same time, the selection committee was still considering several foreign candidates.
The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism later found that the association had breached its own procedures when appointing Hong and former coach Jürgen Klinsmann.
While it found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing or grounds to cancel either contract, the current police investigation marks the first criminal inquiry into the appointment process.
The World Cup fall out
South Korea’s group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup has piled further pressure on the Korea Football Association (KFA).
Tipped as one of the favourites to reach the knockout stages, the team instead suffered an early exit. This prompted Hong Myung-bo’s resignation and triggered a series of parliamentary and administrative inquiries. Those investigations have now escalated into a criminal probe.
No charges have been brought against Hong Myung-bo or any KFA officials, and the association has yet to comment on the police searches.
Investigators are continuing to examine whether the appointment process involved irregularities that could warrant legal action.
Featured image via the Canary
By Alaa Shamali
