The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has taken over and will directly investigate a complaint alleging problems in the Korea Football Association's process of appointing the national team coach.
According to police and others on the 1st, Jongno Police Station in Seoul transferred eight complaints related to the Korea Football Association to the Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Metropolitan Investigation Division at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. The decision was made in view of the importance of the matter.
The Metropolitan Investigation Division plans to investigate not only the allegations surrounding the appointment of Coach Hong Myung-bo but also the complaints related to the process of appointing former coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
Civic groups and others filed complaints in 2024, alleging procedural problems in the Korea Football Association's coach appointment process, accusing Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu and Technical Director Lee Im-saeng, among others, of interference with business and breach of duty.
However, as the police investigation had not reached a conclusion by the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, criticism emerged over the pace of the probe. A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official said at a regular press briefing on the 29th of last month, "The investigation was delayed due to related administrative litigation," adding, "We will actively conduct the necessary investigation."