South Korean police conducted search and seizure operations at the Korea Football Association (KFA) offices in Seoul as part of an investigation into the appointment of former coach Hong Myung-bo.
The investigation by Seoul police is probing allegations of 'obstruction of business' regarding the recruitment of the 57-year-old former coach.
According to the news agency Yonhap, the raid on the KFA offices in Seoul and Cheonan involved the seizure of documents and the securing of smartphone and computer data from high-ranking officials.
Allegations of improper intervention
South Korean authorities are investigating whether senior KFA officials improperly intervened in Hong Myung-bo's appointment, allegedly violating internal rules.
Hong Myung-bo resigned in June after the South Korean national football team, colloquially known as the 'Red Devils', was knocked out in the group stage of the World Cup held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
During the group stage, South Korea suffered a 1-0 defeat to South Africa.
Political and parliamentary reactions
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated on the platform X that he was 'not only astonished, but finds it downright absurd' regarding the unexpected World Cup result.
President Lee attributed the team's failure to organizational and personnel management shortcomings, blaming 'incompetent people' promoted to leadership due to 'loyalty and factionalism' in recruitment.
During a parliamentary hearing in late July, Hong Myung-bo said he took 'full responsibility' for the poor performance.
During the same hearing, MPs raised claims that Hong Myung-bo had a salary of 3.8 billion won (US$2.6 million), though Hong denied this claim.
Hong Myung-bo previously served as the national coach during the 2014 World Cup, where he also failed to progress.
