Metro
Police Probe South Korea FA Over World Cup Coach Appointment
Police raided South Korea’s football association on Thursday as part of an investigation into the appointment of the coach in charge during their dismal World Cup campaign. Police conducted “search and seizure operations” at the Korea Football Association (KFA) offices, probing allegations of “obstruction of business” in the recruitment of……
Police raided South Korea’s football association on Thursday as part of an investigation into the appointment of the coach in charge during their dismal World Cup campaign.
Police conducted “search and seizure operations” at the Korea Football Association (KFA) offices, probing allegations of “obstruction of business” in the recruitment of former coach Hong Myung-bo, a police spokesman told AFP.
The 57-year-old Hong resigned in June after South Korea were knocked out at the group stage of the 48-team showpiece in the United States, Mexico and Canada following a shock 1-0 defeat to South Africa.
Questions were already dogging the Korean Football Association over the 2024 appointment of Hong, but scrutiny has intensified since the team failed to make the last-32 knockout stage.
Seoul police said financial crimes investigators were “looking into whether there were charges of obstruction of business during the appointment of Hong Myung-bo”, a spokesman told AFP.
Local media reported authorities are investigating whether senior KFA officials improperly intervened in Hong’s appointment, allegedly in violation of internal rules.
Read Also: Police Confirm Release of Kidnapped Kebbi High Court Judge
South Korea’s media had labelled the 2026 World Cup squad a “golden generation” and there were high hopes for a team featuring former Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min, Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in.
In late July, Hong was summoned before a committee of lawmakers, where he said he took “full responsibility” for the poor performance.
President Lee Jae Myung blamed the failure on “incompetent people” promoted to leadership in a statement alluding to “loyalty and factionalism” tainting recruitment at the sport’s top level.
The KFA declined to comment when contacted by AFP.
Hong’s decision to leave Son on the bench in the first half for the decisive match against South Africa at the World Cup baffled and angered many supporters.
In June, South Korea fans greeted Hong’s return from the World Cup with boos and chants of “Hong out!”, while applauding the players who emerged behind him at the airport.
Hong admitted he was struggling to understand what had gone wrong.
At last month’s parliamentary hearing, MPs also raised claims Hong had enjoyed a salary of 3.8 billion won (US$2.6 million) — a figure reportedly at the high end for national coaches.
Hong said at the time the figure was wrong, but declined to disclose the correct one.
AFP
‘Politics is expensive everywhere’ – Wike replies critics over high billboard cost in Abuja
2027: ‘Peter Obi’s Logic Is Short-Term Turnover Unlike Tinubu Who Thinks Of Next Generation’ – Oshiomhole
“Courts Must Guard Their Independence, Impartiality And Integrity” — NDC Warns After Atiku’s Candidacy Is Nullified
“Not To Own It, But To Give It Another Chance At Life” — Foreigner Rescues Sea Turtle From Lagos Sellers As NESREA Faces Enforcement Questions
‘He’s closest to Lionel Messi’ – Rashford names player to win more Ballons d’Or than Cristiano Ronaldo
Power Outage: Tegbe assures Nigerians of swift restoration as electricity disruptions hit Lagos, Abuja
Jesus de Miguel’s death: ‘He’d never intentionally hurt anyone’ – Owono’s team-mate defends goalkeeper
Investigate hijab controversy in Nigerian law schools immediately- MURIC to Council of Legal Education
“Leadership Must Emerge Through Lawful Process, Not Imposition” — Bala Gombe Commends Justice Lifu Over ADC Judgment
“Every Item Has Been Recovered” — Viral CCTV Helps Trace Lagos Photographer’s Stolen Equipment As Wedding Files Remain At Risk
“Adeboye Ordered Refund Of Billions In Crime Proceeds Within 24 Hours” — EFCC Chairman Olukoyede Reveals, Warns Churches Against Suspicious Donations
Jigawa, IsDB budget $110m to improve schools, teachers’ development
2027 U-23 AFCONQ: DR Congo coach Bukasa unveils squad for Olympic Eagles clash
Turkey: Orban, Sor on target in Amedspor’s defeat to Galatasaray
Atiku was in charge of economy when he built university – Tinubu
Navy uncovers 117,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Rivers
You Are A Disaster, You Created Poverty– Atiku’s Camp Fires Back At Tinubu
2027: Peace will deliver Rivers for Tinubu – Akpabio
I laid foundation of ABTI in 1993 while you forfeited $460,000 in US – Atiku replies Tinubu
Kano task force seizes 3.18m suspected pregabalin capsules
Metro7 days ago“The Election Must Hold As Scheduled” — INEC Chairman Rules Out Postponement Of 2027 General Elections
- Metro7 days ago
“Publishing His Name Is Subject To The Final Outcome Of A Court Order” — INEC Leaves Gwarzo Off Updated Kano Governorship List
- Metro7 days ago
“Ebola Outbreak Is Not Yet Under Control” — Africa CDC Warns As Confirmed Cases Exceed 10,200, Death Toll Surpasses 5,000
- Metro7 days ago
“Sowore’s Whereabouts Remain Unknown” — Armed Men Allegedly Abduct AAC Presidential Candidate In Ado-Ekiti, Damage Vehicles And Restaurant
- Metro7 days ago
“They Beat Me Like A Criminal” — Sowore Recounts Ekiti Attack As Govt Denies Involvement, Calls For Police Investigation
- Metro7 days ago
“21 Exotic Vehicles Affected, No Life Lost” — LASEMA Confirms Lagos Mechanic Workshop Fire, Averts Disaster At Nearby Filling Station
- Viral6 days ago
FLUTTERWAVE’S CYPRUS EXIT: BANK OF CYPRUS OBJECTION TRIGGERS TOTAL WRITE-OFF OF 100% SUBSIDIARY, AUDITED ACCOUNTS REVEAL
- Metro7 days ago
“November 7 Local Government Elections Will No Longer Hold” — Imo Electoral Commission Postpones Poll Indefinitely
