South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has called for an immediate investigation into the national football team’s humiliating loss in the World Cup qualifier at Seoul World Cup Stadium, amid allegations of match-fixing and institutional failure. The demand, issued late Wednesday, follows a cascade of resignations within the Korean Football Association (KFA) and public protests that have turned the sporting event into a political crisis.
The match, which ended in a 5-0 defeat to a lower-ranked opponent, has been described by local media as the worst in the country’s football history. Speculation of foul play intensified after video replays showed questionable defensive lapses and an unusually passive midfield. The KFA’s chairman, Chung Mong-gyu, resigned on Tuesday, citing systemic failures, while two senior coaches have been suspended pending review.
President Yoon’s office confirmed that the investigation will be conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, with support from the National Police Agency. “The integrity of Korean sport is non-negotiable,” a presidential spokesperson said. “We must ensure that what happened on the pitch is thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are held accountable.”
The scandal has triggered a broader reckoning with South Korea’s sports establishment, which has long been criticised for opaque governance and preferential treatment of elite athletes. Opposition lawmakers have called for parliamentary hearings, while civic groups demand the dissolution of the KFA’s executive committee. Meanwhile, the head coach, Park Hang-seo, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the team was “mentally fragile” and that the loss was a collective failure.
The match’s outcome also has geopolitical implications. South Korea is co-hosting the 2027 Asian Cup with China, and the national team’s performance is seen as a test of the country’s soft power. A former foreign minister said the scandal risks undermining South Korea’s image as a reliable host and a footballing nation. “This is not just about sport,” he told the BBC. “It affects how we are perceived in the region, especially in the context of North Korea’s growing sporting ambitions.”
The international football community is watching closely. FIFA has offered technical assistance for the investigation, while the Asian Football Confederation expressed concern over the “unprecedented” nature of the allegations. A senior AFC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the confederation would review South Korea’s compliance with its anti-corruption protocols.
For now, the South Korean public is demanding answers. Crowds have gathered outside the KFA headquarters in Jongno-gu, calling for a complete overhaul of the organisation. “We are tired of excuses,” said Kim Min-jun, a 34-year-old fan. “We want to know why our players looked like they gave up. This is a national shame.”
The investigation is expected to conclude within a month, with findings to be submitted to the president’s office. Until then, the future of South Korean football hangs in the balance.
Sienna West, reporting from Seoul.
