Seoul police have raided the offices of the Korea Football Association (KFA) as part of an "obstruction of business" investigation into the appointment of national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
The raid forms part of an ongoing investigation into allegations surrounding the process that led to Hong's return as South Korea's head coach in 2024.
Police have not announced any criminal findings against Hong or KFA officials.
The KFA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Hong returned to lead the national team after previously serving as head coach from 2013 to 2014.
His appointment drew scrutiny after the KFA ended a months-long search that had included foreign candidates before selecting Hong following a brief meeting.
Questions surrounding the process resurfaced after South Korea's disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a group-stage exit.
At a parliamentary hearing last month, Hong rejected suggestions from lawmakers that he had received special treatment during his appointment.
He also accepted responsibility for South Korea's failure at the tournament.
Police had already been investigating complaints alleging improper interference in Hong's appointment before the World Cup.
South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said in October 2024 that the KFA had breached its own rules in the appointments of both Hong Myung-bo and former national team coach Juergen Klinsmann.
The ministry concluded that the technical director's meeting with Hong did not constitute a proper interview under the association's procedures.
However, it found no evidence of illegal conduct.
The ministry also did not order the cancellation of Hong's contract.
The latest police action represents a continuation of the investigation into the appointment process rather than a conclusion of the case.
Authorities have not announced any charges or criminal findings against Hong or KFA officials as the investigation remains ongoing.