South Korea’s national football association has apologised after a media report alleged it provided “sexual services” to foreign referees during international matches more than a decade ago. South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Thursday that the Korea Football Association (KFA) facilitated these services on multiple occasions in 2011 and 2012, including during qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics.
In a statement released Saturday, the KFA said, “We deeply apologise for causing concern over various issues involving the association, which emerged from a parliamentary hearing and an unprecedented search and seizure, and from reports about events from more than a decade ago, that even many within the organisation were unaware of.”
JTBC cited a 2016 sports ministry investigation finding that the KFA provided inappropriate entertainment to foreign referees on seven occasions between March 2011 and March 2012. This included trips to massage parlours where fees covered the costs of sexual services. The KFA did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
“The association makes clear that inappropriate conduct of this kind, or the use of corporate cards for such purposes, is absolutely not currently taking place,” the KFA stated. These allegations intensify scrutiny on the association, which is already under pressure regarding the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
Seoul police raided the KFA’s offices on Thursday as part of an investigation into Hong’s appointment. Hong returned as coach in 2024 following a previous stint from 2013 to 2014. His selection faced criticism after the KFA bypassed a months-long search for foreign candidates in favour of a brief meeting. The current controversy follows a disappointing World Cup campaign that ended in a group-stage exit.
