World Cup failure sees police drafted in after manager death threats | Football | Sport

Significant security arrangements have reportedly been deployed ahead of Korea Republic’s homecoming following a disappointing World Cup campaign. More than 160 riot officers have been deployed to the airport as their World Cup delegation touches down in the country.

The Sun reports 25 specialist security personnel will also support the 160 riot officers, to prevent any disturbances after manager Hong Myung-bo allegedly received death threats. He has subsequently stepped down from his role following their World Cup group stage elimination, with the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency issuing a statement in advance of their arrival.

A police statement read: “We have decided to deploy officers to prevent safety accidents that may occur during the entry process. We will respond strictly to any illegal acts, including the throwing of objects.”

Myung-bo’s departure made him the fourth manager to leave his position in the aftermath of an underwhelming tournament in North America.

South Korea began their World Cup 2026 campaign encouragingly, beating Czechia 2-1, but matters rapidly deteriorated. Back-to-back 1-0 losses to Mexico and South Africa ended their tournament prematurely, as they failed to qualify among the top eight third-placed teams.

With widespread expectations that South Korea would advance to the knockout stages, angry supporters were swift to launch a petition calling for Hong’s dismissal from the role. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung also expressed his astonishment at the premature departure, demanding an inquiry into what had gone awry.

Hong formally announced his resignation at a press conference in Mexico on Sunday. His reputation in South Korea plummeted so severely that he was allegedly refused entry to numerous shops and restaurants. President Lee’s comments on X were similarly damning.

He wrote: “I ‌am not just taken aback by this unexpected outcome, I am utterly baffled. Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions are everything. When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.”

This represented Hong’s second stint at the helm of the national team, having previously guided them to the 2014 World Cup before resigning. His reappointment to the position in 2024 triggered allegations from Korean media of favouritism and a lack of transparency in the hiring process, all of which Hong refuted.

“Even though I am leaving the national team, I am not abandoning Korean football altogether,” Hong said. “I will cheer for the national team from the bottom of my heart and hope that the team will be trusted and loved by the people once again.”

Fans had become increasingly frustrated with Hong, as evidenced by a petition calling for his dismissal and sweeping reforms to South Korea’s national team structure.