Civil Group Files Complaint Against KFA Officials Following World Cup Exit

Chung Mong-kyu, president of the Korea Football Association, answers questions from lawmakers during a meeting of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee at the National Assembly on June 24. [Photo=Yonhap News]

2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup exit has sparked significant backlash against the Korea Football Association (KFA). A civil group has filed a complaint with police against KFA President Chung Mong-kyu, former national team coach Hong Myung-bo, and former technical director Lee Eui-sung, citing unfairness in the coach selection process and accountability for the team's poor performance in the tournament.

The Citizens' Livelihood Countermeasure Committee (CLC) held a press conference on the morning of July 2 at its office in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, announcing that it had reported Chung, Hong, and Lee to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on charges of coercion, intimidation, obstruction of duty, and breach of trust.

The CLC claims that KFA leadership interfered with the normal operations of the Strengthening Performance Committee during the selection of the national team coach. CLC Secretary General Kim Soon-hwan stated, "There are reasonable suspicions that Chung and Lee coerced and intimidated committee members and football professionals who opposed Hong's appointment," adding, "In previous complaints, we focused more on obstruction of duty and breach of trust, but this time we have added allegations of coercion and intimidation."

Under Hong's leadership, the South Korean national team recorded one win and two losses in the recent World Cup, resulting in their elimination from the group stage. This marked the first time since the 2018 Russia World Cup that South Korea failed to advance past the group stage, finishing in 34th place, the lowest ranking in the country's World Cup history. Following the team's exit, Hong resigned on June 29, taking responsibility for the disappointing outcome.

The CLC also mentioned allegations of breach of trust against Hong, stating, "Hong's reliance on individual player skills without any tactical strategy caused suffering to the players and humiliation to the public. He received an unmerited salary funded by taxpayers while failing to offer a proper apology before resigning."

Kim Soon-hwan, Secretary General of the Citizens' Livelihood Countermeasure Committee, holds a press conference on July 2 at the CLC office in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, to address issues within the Korea Football Association. [Photo=Yonhap News]

Kim emphasized, "If the coach represents the people, he should disclose his salary and contract details to the public. If he deceived the public by receiving money beyond his capabilities, it can be broadly viewed as a breach of trust."

The CLC also criticized the slow progress of the investigation by law enforcement and called for swift action. Previously, the group had reported Chung and others in July 2024 regarding the coach selection controversy.

Kim stated, "The police have not reached a conclusion for over two years and four months. They just need to transfer the case. I believe the best solution is to go directly to a special investigation. Clarifying why this situation occurred will be the quickest way to resolve the public's concerns."

Meanwhile, the Jongno Police Station, which has been investigating a total of eight complaints related to the coach selection controversy since July 2024, announced on July 1 that it has transferred all related cases to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Financial Crime Investigation Unit for a more focused investigation, including allegations related to the appointment of former coach Jürgen Klinsmann.

* This article has been translated by AI.