First suspect summons since Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Metropolitan Investigation Unit took over case in July
Chung Mong-gyu, former president of the Korea Football Association, appeared before police Wednesday to answer allegations that he improperly interfered in the selection of the national team head coach.
The Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Metropolitan Investigation Unit began questioning Chung around noon Wednesday on charges including obstruction of business through deception. It was the first time Chung had been summoned for questioning as a suspect since the unit took over the case from Jongno Police Station in July.
Speaking to reporters as he arrived, Chung said, "I don't believe there was any improper interference whatsoever," and added that he would "cooperate faithfully with the police investigation" before proceeding to the interrogation room.
The Citizens' Livelihood Countermeasures Committee, a civic group, filed a complaint against Chung on July 2 on charges including coercion, intimidation, obstruction of business and breach of fiduciary duty.
Police are expected to investigate whether Chung pressured KFA executives or its board of directors in connection with the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as the national team head coach.
The Financial Crime Investigation Unit is currently handling nine consolidated complaints related to the KFA and has been summoning those involved for questioning one after another.
Police called in Hong as a suspect for questioning on Aug. 4, and also summoned Lee Im-saeng, the former KFA technical director who led the appointment negotiations, and Kim Jeong-bae, the former KFA standing vice president.
On Aug. 6, police conducted search and seizure operations at the KFA office in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, and at the Football House in Jongno-gu, Seoul — the former KFA headquarters — securing relevant materials.
kido@heraldcorp.com
