South Korean President Lee Jae‑myung slams football federation after World Cup exit

President Lee Jae‑myung said the complement investigation power could be misused for political slogans and urged safeguards, expressing concern over potential abuse. On the same day, he sharply criticised the Korea Football Association, calling the early group‑stage elimination at the 2026 World Cup an "organizational and personnel failure" and linking it to nepotism in the coach selection.

South Korea finished 34th out of 48 teams – its worst World Cup result – prompting coach Hong Myung‑bo to resign. Lee posted on social media that the defeat was predictable if appointments favored connections over competence, and he ordered the Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry to investigate the federation's hiring practices. Police investigations into alleged interference in the coach appointment continue.