World Cup 2026: South Korea crisis deepens as police raid federation offices over Hong Myung-bo appointment

South Korea’s football crisis has taken a dramatic turn after police raided the offices of the Korea Football Association (KFA) as part of an investigation into the controversial appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.

Authorities carried out “search and seizure operations” at the KFA headquarters on Thursday while examining allegations of “obstruction of business” linked to the recruitment process that brought Hong back to lead the national team, according to a police spokesperson.

The investigation comes after South Korea’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a shock group-stage exit, intensifying criticism of the country’s football leadership and the decision-making process behind Hong’s appointment.

Hong, 57, stepped down in June after South Korea failed to progress from the group stage of the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Their elimination was sealed by a surprise 1-0 defeat to South Africa, a result that triggered widespread frustration among supporters.

Questions over controversial appointment

The scrutiny surrounding Hong’s return had existed long before the World Cup disappointment. The former defender was appointed in 2024 amid criticism over the KFA’s recruitment process, with concerns raised about whether proper procedures were followed.

Seoul police confirmed that investigators from the financial crimes division were examining whether there were grounds for charges related to the appointment.

A police spokesman told AFP they were “looking into whether there were charges of obstruction of business during the appointment of Hong Myung-bo.”

Local reports have suggested that investigators are focusing on claims that senior officials within the association may have interfered with the process and potentially breached internal regulations.

The KFA has declined to comment on the investigation.

‘Golden generation’ falls short under pressure

Expectations around South Korea were high heading into the World Cup, with many describing the squad as a “golden generation” capable of making a deep run.

The team featured some of Asia’s biggest names, including former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min, Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and ex-Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in.

However, the campaign quickly unravelled, with tactical decisions and team selection choices coming under heavy criticism.

Hong’s decision to leave Son on the bench during the first half of the decisive match against South Africa became one of the most debated moments of the tournament, leaving many fans questioning his approach.

When Hong returned to South Korea after the tournament, supporters greeted him with boos and chants of “Hong out!” while applauding the players who followed him from the airport.

The coach later admitted he was struggling to understand why the campaign had gone wrong.

Leadership under fire amid wider football concerns

Hong appeared before a parliamentary committee in late July, where he accepted responsibility for the team’s failure.

“I take full responsibility,” he told lawmakers while addressing the criticism surrounding the World Cup performance.

South Korean president Lee Jae Myung also criticised the state of football leadership, blaming the failure on “incompetent people” who had risen to influential positions.

His comments referenced concerns over “loyalty and factionalism” affecting recruitment and decision-making within the country’s football structures.

The parliamentary hearing also raised questions over reports that Hong received a salary of 3.8 billion won (£1.98 million), which was said to be among the highest packages ever offered to a national team coach.

Hong disputed the reported figure but refused to reveal his actual salary.