Korean Football Association 'shocking search and seizure'... Investigation into improper involvement in the selection process of Hong Myung-bo

*This content was translated by AI.

Police have launched a search and seizure operation at the Korean Football Association to determine whether there was improper involvement in the selection process of former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo.

According to NEWSIS on the 6th, the Seoul National Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Team's Financial Crime Investigation Division sent investigators to the Cheonan soccer center (Korea Football Park) and the Jongno-gu Soccer Hall in Seoul early this morning to execute search warrants.

The forced investigation into the football association comes about two years after a complaint was filed in July 2024, and just two days after Hong Myung-bo, former head coach, was summoned as a suspect and witness for his first interrogation.

It is known that charges such as 'obstruction of business' were listed on the search warrant. The police are expected to secure internal documents and other materials to verify whether there was improper involvement in the selection process of the head coach.

Previously, the police summoned commentator Park Ju-ho, who had served on the Korean Football Association's Power Strengthening Committee last month, along with Mr. A, a member of the association's Power Strengthening Committee at the time of Hong Myung-bo's selection, and Vice President B of the association as witnesses for investigation. After completing the first interrogation of former head coach Hong on the 4th, the search and seizure operation was carried out today.

The Citizens' Group for People's Livelihood Measures (Citizens' Committee) filed a complaint against Jeong Mong-gyu Jeon (Chairman) and others in July 2024 on charges such as obstruction of business and abuse of authority. However, since no conclusion was reached, the group urged swift handling of the case, which was transferred to the Seoul National Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Team's Financial Crime Investigation Division from the Seoul Jongno Police Station on the first day of last month.

Thereafter, the Citizens' Committee filed another complaint against Jeong Mong-gyu Jeon (Chairman) and former head coach Hong Myung-bo on charges such as obstruction of business and breach of trust in the course of business, citing problems with the operation of the Korean Football Association and the selection process for the national team head coach.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo stated during a hearing held at the National Assembly last month 30 regarding the Korean Football Association, "When I was approached, I thought it followed normal procedures," while drawing a line by saying, "Of course, meeting in front of someone's house may seem unclear to some, but I have never requested special privileges or benefits."

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*This content was translated by AI.