Court Finds Illegalities in Hong Myung-bo's Appointment, Yet Chung Mong-gyu Investigation Stalls for Two Years

The police investigation into allegations that Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu unfairly intervened in the appointment of national team head coach Hong Myung-bo has remained at a standstill for two years.

The criminal complaints against President Chung, including charges of obstruction of business and professional malpractice regarding Coach Hong's appointment, were assigned to the Seoul Jongno Police Station in July 2024.

However, no decision has been reached since then.

The police stated, "Further investigation of relevant individuals and additional legal review are still required."

While the facts to be verified through the investigation were already brought to light through the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's audit in November 2024 and subsequent administrative litigation, the police maintain that more time is needed to apply specific criminal charges.

Previously, in April, the Seoul Administrative Court ruled against the KFA in a lawsuit filed by the association to cancel the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's demand for disciplinary action against President Chung, while also clarifying the facts of the case.

The court explained that illegalities were confirmed in the process by which the KFA's National Team Committee selected Hong as the top candidate during his appointment in 2024.

The KFA has appealed the ruling, stating it cannot accept the first-instance judgment.

However, the police argue that administrative measures and criminal judgments are distinct matters.

They explain that for charges of obstruction of business to be established, it must be further proven that President Chung had the "intent" to obstruct the National Team Committee or other KFA departments through deception or coercion.

It is known that in President Chung's case, he did not support Hong's appointment from the very beginning.

According to the Board of Audit and Inspection, the average time for the police to reach an initial decision in 2024 was 64 days.

As the investigation has been unusually delayed, both President Chung and Coach Hong have announced their intentions to step down.

Last month, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, President Chung issued a statement announcing he would resign after the tournament concludes.

Coach Hong also expressed his intention to resign after the team's elimination from the group stage was confirmed.

Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Choi Kang-san | Graphics by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.