South Korea police raid football association in coach appointment probe

South Korean police executed "search and seizure operations" at the country's football association headquarters on Thursday, as part of an investigation into the selection of the coach who led the team during a disappointing World Cup where they failed to advance beyond the group stage. The police were probing allegations of "obstruction of business" in the hiring of former coach Hong Myung-bo, a police spokesman informed AFP.

Hong, 57, resigned in June following South Korea's defeat to South Africa, a result that triggered widespread questions about the Korean Football Association's (KFA) decision-making process. The KFA's appointment of Hong has become a focal point of scrutiny, especially after the team's early exit in the 2024 World Cup tournament.

Hong had appeared before a committee of lawmakers in late July and admitted to taking "full responsibility" for the team's poor performance. KFA President Lee Jae Myung attributed the loss to "incompetent people" who were given leadership roles, hinting at issues related to "loyalty and factionalism" that may have influenced the recruitment at the sport's highest level.