South Korea’s FA has issued an apology following reports that it had provided ‘sexual services’ to foreign referees.
The country’s broadcaster JTBC reported earlier this week that the Korea Football Association (KFA) had offered the services to officials that were in the country for international matches.
The allegations date back more than a decade ago with referees offered services on multiple occasions in 2011 and 2012.
It is alleged that further indiscretions occurred prior to qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics.
In a statement, the KFA profusely apologised for the details of the report.
KFA’s statement on shock allegations
It read: “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.’”
The news report published on Thursday revealed how a sports ministry investigation back in 2016 found the KFA had provided inappropriate entertainment to foreign referees.
It claimed that it happened on seven separate occasions between March 2011 and March 2012.
The services included trips to massage parlours with the fees inclusive of the costs of sexual services.
“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 added in its statement.
The allegations come after a period of instability on and off the pitch in South Korean football.
A review into an issue involving the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo is ongoing.
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Seoul police raided the KFA’s offices on Thursday as part of their inquiries into Hong’s selection.
The investigation began shortly after Hong’s appointment but to a halt this summer after nearly two years without answers.
However, public anger surrounding South Korea’s disappointing World Cup group-stage exit brought about renewed attention.
Ex-KFA technical director Lee Lim-saeng is accused of offering Hong the job at a bakery near the coach’s home.
South Korea’s sports ministry said in 2024 that Lee’s meeting with Hong was not a formal interview and that the KFA had breached its own hiring rules.
However, the ministry found no evidence of foul play.
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“When I received the offer, I thought they had all taken the proper steps,” Hong said at the parliamentary hearing.
“People may think things were not so transparent, but I never once asked for any special treatment.”
