South Korean police have raided the headquarters of the Korea Football Association as part of an investigation into the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo following the country’s disappointing performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Truth Live News gathered that the raid was carried out on Thursday, August 6, 2026, as investigators examined allegations of irregularities in Hong’s appointment.
According to police, officers conducted search and seizure operations at the association’s offices as part of an investigation into alleged obstruction of business during the recruitment process.
A police spokesperson told AFP that financial crimes investigators were examining whether there were breaches in the procedures leading to Hong’s appointment in 2024.
Hong, 57, resigned in June 2026 after South Korea exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the group stage following a shock 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Questions had already been raised over Hong’s appointment before the World Cup, but scrutiny intensified after South Korea failed to progress to the Round of 32.
Local media reported that investigators are examining whether senior officials of the Korea Football Association improperly influenced Hong’s appointment in violation of the body’s internal regulations.
South Korea entered the tournament with high expectations, with local media describing the squad as a “golden generation” featuring former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min, Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in.
In late July 2026, Hong appeared before a parliamentary committee, where he accepted responsibility for the team’s disappointing campaign.
“I take full responsibility,” he told lawmakers.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also criticised the country’s football leadership, blaming the World Cup failure on what he described as the promotion of incompetent officials through loyalty and factionalism.
The Korea Football Association declined to comment when contacted by AFP.
Hong also faced criticism for leaving Son Heung-min on the bench during the first half of South Korea’s decisive World Cup defeat to South Africa, a decision that angered many supporters.
When the team returned home in June 2026, fans booed Hong and chanted “Hong out” at the airport while applauding the players.
At the parliamentary hearing, lawmakers also questioned reports that Hong earned an annual salary of 3.8 billion won (about $2.6 million).
The former coach denied the reported figure but declined to disclose his actual salary.
AFP
