Ex-nat'l football body chief referred to prosecution over ex-coach appointment

Chung Mong-gyu, a former head of the Korea Football Association (KFA), has been handed over to the prosecution over suspected irregularities surrounding the hiring of ex-men's national team manager Hong Myung-bo, police announced on Tuesday. He faces accusations of obstructing business for reportedly meddling in the head coach selection process to secure Hong's position in July 2024, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

Investigators suspect Chung also took actions to make the appointment seem to comply with the correct procedures. Hong's appointment caused significant public outrage at the time, with critics questioning a lack of transparency and possible procedural mistakes. The investigation, which started shortly after Hong's appointment, has recently gained new interest following South Korea's elimination from the group stage at this year's World Cup.

However, investigators opted not to bring charges against Hong due to a lack of proof that he interfered in the appointment process. Both Hong and Chung resigned from their positions after South Korea's World Cup elimination.