South Korean police have searched the headquarters of the Korea Football Association (KFA) as part of an investigation into the controversial appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo following the country’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
According to AFP, investigators carried out search and seizure operations at the KFA offices on Thursday over allegations of obstruction of business linked to Hong’s recruitment in 2024.
A police spokesperson said financial crimes investigators are examining whether officials breached established procedures during the appointment process.
Hong, 57, stepped down as head coach in June after South Korea suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to South Africa, crashing out of the expanded 48-team World Cup at the group stage in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The early exit sparked widespread criticism, especially as South Korea entered the tournament with what many local media described as a “golden generation” of players. The squad included former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min, Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and midfielder Lee Kang-in.
Concerns over Hong’s appointment had existed since he was named coach in 2024, but the team’s poor World Cup showing intensified public and official scrutiny.
Local reports alleged that senior KFA officials may have improperly influenced the selection process in violation of the association’s internal regulations.
Last month, Hong appeared before a parliamentary committee, where he accepted responsibility for the team’s disappointing campaign.
“I take full responsibility for our performance,” he told lawmakers.
President Lee Jae Myung also criticised the administration of South Korean football, blaming the failure on what he described as incompetent leadership and suggesting that loyalty and factional interests had influenced appointments within the sport.
The KFA declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
Hong also faced criticism for leaving Son Heung-min on the bench during the first half of South Korea’s decisive group-stage match against South Africa, a tactical decision that angered many supporters.
When the team returned home in June, fans booed Hong at the airport and chanted for his dismissal, while applauding the players.
Speaking afterward, Hong admitted he was struggling to explain the team’s disappointing performance.
Lawmakers also questioned reports that he earned an annual salary of 3.8 billion won (about $2.6 million), one of the highest figures reportedly paid to a national team coach. Hong dismissed the reported amount as inaccurate but declined to reveal his actual salary.
