Refer Report
President Yoon Seok-yeol ordered on the 30th that “the truth must be clearly revealed” regarding the suspicions of unfairness that arose during the selection process for the national soccer team coach.
After being briefed on the results of the audit of the Korean Football Association’s national team selection process by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon at the Yongsan Presidential Office on this day, President Yoon said, “The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which is responsible for managing and supervising the Korea Football Association, has clearly revealed the truth of the various allegations and corrected wrong practices at the field.” He ordered, “Come up with a clear improvement plan to correct it.”
President Yoon emphasized, “The national team must be a source of pride for the people of the Republic of Korea,” and “The selection of the coach, the head coach of the national soccer team, who receives great attention and love from the people, must be conducted fairly and responsibly from the beginning.”
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism conducted an audit regarding allegations that the Korea Livestock Association gave preferential treatment to coach Hong Myung-bo through an unfair process in the process of selecting the national soccer team coach. It was reported that Minister Yoo’s report on this day included the fact that there were procedural problems as the selection of the national soccer team coach was not carried out according to regulations. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to announce the audit results through a public briefing on the 2nd.
Coach Hong said at a press conference announcing the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia 3rd qualifying round roster held at the Shinmun-ro Soccer Center in Seoul, “I am also frustrated. “I personally feel unfair,” he said. “I asked whether a fair procedure was followed (in the appointment process), and I received the answer that he received the highest score. “That’s why I accepted the position as director,” he claimed.
Reporter Seo Jae-won jwseo@hankyung.com
Source: Korean