The Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued a formal apology following allegations that it provided “sexual services” to foreign referees visiting South Korea for international fixtures more than ten years ago. The controversy stems from a report by South Korean broadcaster JTBC, which claimed these incidents occurred on multiple occasions throughout 2011 and 2012. According to the report, these services were provided during high-profile events, including qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
In a statement released on Saturday, the KFA expressed deep regret for the public concern caused by these revelations, as well as by issues stemming from recent parliamentary hearings and an unprecedented search and seizure operation. The association acknowledged that these historical events were largely unknown to many current staff members. The JTBC report specifically referenced a 2016 investigation by the sports ministry, which identified seven instances between March 2011 and March 2012 where the KFA allegedly funded inappropriate entertainment, including visits to massage parlours where fees covered sexual services.
Addressing the current state of the organization, the KFA emphasized that such conduct and the misuse of corporate cards for these purposes are not occurring today. While the association has not provided further details in response to requests for comment, the allegations have intensified existing scrutiny surrounding the KFA. This pressure is compounded by an ongoing investigation into the appointment of national team coach Hong Myung-bo, who returned to the role in 2024 following a previous tenure from 2013 to 2014.
The scrutiny regarding Hong’s leadership intensified after the KFA bypassed a lengthy search for foreign candidates, opting instead to appoint him after a brief meeting. This decision drew significant criticism, particularly following South Korea’s early exit during the group stage of their recent World Cup campaign. As part of the probe into the hiring process, Seoul police conducted a raid on the KFA’s offices this past Thursday.
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