South Korean Police Investigate Football Association Over Coach Selection

WHO:

Reuters - South Korea police are involved in the investigation.

South China Morning Post - The Korea Football Association (KFA) is the organization being investigated.

South China Morning Post - Former coach Hong Myung-bo is the individual at the center of the investigation.

WHAT:

South China Morning Post - Police conducted “search and seizure operations” at the KFA headquarters.

South China Morning Post - The investigation is focused on allegations of “obstruction of business” related to Hong's recruitment.

South China Morning Post - Hong Myung-bo resigned after South Korea was knocked out of the World Cup group stage.

WHERE:

South China Morning Post - The investigation is taking place at the Korea Football Association headquarters in South Korea.

WHEN:

South China Morning Post - The police raid occurred on a Thursday.

South China Morning Post - Hong Myung-bo resigned in June.

WHY:

South China Morning Post - The investigation was prompted by questions regarding the KFA's handling of Hong's appointment amid the team's poor performance in the World Cup.

HOW:

South China Morning Post - Financial crimes investigators are examining whether senior KFA officials improperly intervened in Hong’s appointment, allegedly violating internal rules.

(UPDATED August 6, 2026 11:26 UTC)

Police in South Korea are investigating the Korea Football Association, with former coach Hong Myung-bo at the center of the inquiry. Authorities conducted search and seizure operations at the KFA headquarters, focusing on allegations of obstruction of business related to Hong's recruitment, which followed South Korea's disappointing exit from the World Cup group stage. Financial crimes investigators are looking into whether senior KFA officials improperly intervened in Hong's appointment, potentially violating internal rules.