Former KFA chief referred to prosecutors over disputed national team coach appointment

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has referred former Korea Football Association chief Chung Mong-gyu to prosecutors, accusing him of obstruction of business for meddling in the July 2024 appointment of former men’s national team head coach Hong Myung-bo. Authorities claim Chung intervened to secure Hong’s selection and attempted to make the process appear compliant with formal rules, which sparked major public backlash over perceived opacity.

The probe began shortly after Hong’s hiring and gained renewed attention following South Korea’s early elimination from this year’s World Cup. Prosecutors decided not to charge Hong, citing a lack of evidence that he influenced the appointment. Both Chung and Hong stepped down from their positions after the World Cup exit in June.