Police have completed an 11-hour search of the Korean Football Association (KFA) as part of an investigation into allegations surrounding the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Financial Crimes Investigation Unit concluded the search around 8:20 p.m. on August 6 at the KFA's office in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, and at the Football Center in Jongno, Seoul. The search began at approximately 9 a.m. and lasted over 11 hours.
This marks the first time the KFA has been subjected to a search since its establishment. Police have confirmed that they secured internal documents from the association.
The search warrant cited allegations of obstruction of business, among other charges. Following the search, police plan to review the KFA's internal materials to determine if there was any improper interference in the coaching appointment process.
Recently, police have accelerated their investigation, conducting interviews with related parties and now executing a search. On August 4, they summoned Hong Myung-bo and former Technical Director Lee Im-sang as suspects for questioning regarding obstruction of business.
On July 14, police also questioned an individual who served on the KFA's Strengthening Committee during Hong's appointment, as well as a former vice president of the KFA, both as witnesses.
Additionally, on July 9, commentator Park Joo-ho, who has publicly criticized the fairness of the appointment process, was also questioned as a witness.
Earlier, the civic group Citizens' Livelihood Countermeasure Committee filed a complaint on July 2, alleging that there were issues with the KFA's operations and the process of appointing the national team coach, accusing KFA President Chung Mong-kyu and Hong Myung-bo of obstruction of business and breach of trust.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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