Police have launched a raid on the Korean Football Association (KFA) as part of an investigation into the appointment process of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
The Financial Crimes Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police began the raid at 9 a.m. on August 6, sending investigators to multiple locations, including the KFA's headquarters in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, and the football association building in Jongno, Seoul, to secure relevant documents.
The search warrant reportedly cites charges of obstruction of business, marking the first time police have conducted a raid on the KFA in this matter.
Authorities plan to thoroughly examine internal documents and evaluation records obtained during the search to determine whether there was any undue interference or procedural issues involving former KFA President Chung Mong-kyu and others during the recommendation and final decision stages for the national team coach in 2024.
Previously, the civic group Citizens' Livelihood Countermeasures Committee filed a complaint against Chung and former KFA Technical Director Lee Im-sang, alleging they abused their authority to pressure the Strengthening Committee into appointing Hong, accusing them of obstruction of business and breach of trust.
On July 1, the Financial Crimes Investigation Unit received nine related complaints from the Jongno Police Station and has since summoned relevant individuals for questioning. On July 9, they interviewed former Strengthening Committee member Park Joo-ho, followed by summons for A, a former committee member, and B, a former KFA vice president, on July 14.
Notably, just two days before the raid, on August 4, Hong was summoned for the first time as a suspect and was reportedly questioned intensively about the entire process leading to his appointment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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