Former national soccer team coach denies talking to ex-KFA chief during his appointment

Former national soccer team coach Hong Myung-bo denied having direct communication with former Korea Football Association (KFA) chief Chung Mong-gyu during his appointment in 2024, according to testimony given to police. Hong, who led the South Korean men’s national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finished 34th in the tournament, marking one of the worst performances in the team’s history. His appointment has drawn widespread scrutiny, with allegations of improper influence and financial misconduct emerging over the past year. The controversy began in early 2024, when reports surfaced suggesting that Hong was not the top recommendation of the National Team Committee. This raised questions about the selection process and prompted civic groups to file criminal complaints against Hong, Chung, and several other KFA officials. The accusations include interference with business, coercion, and embezzlement. According to the complaints, Hong and other high-ranking officials were allegedly pressured into selecting him despite concerns about his suitability for the role. Critics argue that Hong’s poor performance, particularly his failure to qualify for the knockout stages in the World Cup, was partly due to these alleged manipulations. During his recent police interrogation, Hong stated that he had no direct contact with Chung during the hiring process. He also explained that his salary was comparable to what he earned while serving as head coach of Ulsan HD FC, a club in Korea’s top-tier K-League. However, the issue of his compensation remains contentious, with some arguing that his earnings were disproportionately high compared to his results. The Seoul Metropolitan Agency is currently investigating whether Chung or other KFA leaders improperly influenced the appointment of Hong as head coach. Lee Lim-saeng, the KFA’s technical director at the time, provided additional insight into the situation. He confirmed that Chung had personally directed him to interview the final three candidates for the head coaching position. Although Lee’s role typically does not involve such decisions, he stated that this directive came after National Team Committee chief Chung Hae-soung resigned from his post. Lee further noted that Chung had emphasized the need to evaluate all candidates fairly and select the individual best suited for the job. The ongoing investigation aims to determine whether Chung abused his authority to exert undue influence over the appointment process. Police are examining whether Chung pressured the board of directors responsible for choosing the head coach. If found guilty of wrongdoing, Chung could face legal consequences related to misuse of power. Meanwhile, other officials involved in the hiring process have also denied any involvement in illegal activities. The case highlights broader issues within the governance of South Korean football. The KFA has faced increasing public scrutiny in recent years over its management practices and transparency. The current probe into Hong’s appointment adds another layer of complexity to these concerns, raising questions about accountability and ethical standards in sports administration. As the investigation continues, the outcomes may shape future reforms within the organization.