Former KFA President Chung Mong-gyu Appears for Police Questioning: "There Was No Improper Intervention in Hong Myung-bo's Appointment"

[Financial News] Former Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu, who faces allegations of improperly intervening in the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo, appeared before police for questioning as a suspect.
According to Financial News reporting, the Financial Crimes Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Division summoned Chung on the morning of the 2nd to question him over suspected obstruction of business and other offenses.
Chung appeared at the Metropolitan Investigation Division's headquarters in Mapo District, Seoul, at approximately 11:54 a.m. He responded to reporters' question about whether there was a reason he had improperly intervened in the coach appointment process, saying, "I do not believe there was any improper intervention at all. I will cooperate fully with the police investigation."
Chung is suspected of using his position as president to improperly influence the recommendation of coaching candidates and the final appointment process when Hong was appointed in 2024.
Following its 2024 audit of the Korea Football Association, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism determined that Chung, former full-time vice president Kim Jeong-bae, and former technical director Lee Lim-saeng had either intervened in the coaching appointment process without authority or failed to comply with relevant regulations. The ministry subsequently called for severe disciplinary action, including suspension of qualifications or harsher penalties, against Chung and the others.
Police are expected to conduct an extensive investigation into whether Chung directly participated in the process of appointing Hong and whether he exerted influence over Lee and other KFA officials.
The case began in July 2024, when Seoul Jongno Police Station launched an investigation. It was transferred to the Financial Crimes Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Division in July this year. Police later raided the KFA offices and the Football Center in Jongno District, Seoul, and questioned members of the Strengthening Committee, board directors, and other individuals involved.
Last month, Hong was also questioned privately as a suspect. Hong reportedly denied the allegations during the police questioning, saying in substance that he had not contacted Chung separately during the appointment process.
[email protected] Choi Seung-han Reporter