The Korea Football Association (KFA) has publicly apologized after a media report surfaced, alleging that the organization provided 'sexual services' to foreign referees during their visits to South Korea for international matches more than ten years ago. This revelation has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the association and its past practices.
According to a report by South Korean broadcaster JTBC, the KFA allegedly facilitated such services on multiple occasions in 2011 and 2012. These incidents reportedly occurred during significant events, including qualifying matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics. The report cited findings from a 2016 investigation conducted by the sports ministry, which uncovered that inappropriate entertainment was provided to foreign referees on at least seven occasions between March 2011 and March 2012. This included visits to massage parlors where the fees covered sexual services.
In response to these allegations, the KFA issued a statement expressing deep regret for the concerns raised by the reports, which emerged from a parliamentary hearing and an unprecedented search and seizure operation. The association emphasized that many within the organization were unaware of these past events, which have now come to light.
The KFA reassured the public that such inappropriate conduct is not occurring currently, stating, "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." Despite this assurance, the allegations have intensified scrutiny of the KFA, particularly in light of a separate controversy surrounding the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
Hong Myung-bo, who previously coached the national team from 2013 to 2014, was reappointed in 2024 after a brief meeting with KFA officials. His selection raised eyebrows, especially after the KFA had conducted a lengthy search for foreign candidates. The controversy surrounding his appointment has been exacerbated by South Korea's disappointing performance in the recent World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the group stage.
The Seoul police have also become involved in the situation, having raided the KFA's offices as part of an investigation related to Hong's appointment. This investigation adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing issues facing the KFA, as it grapples with allegations of misconduct and the fallout from its recent decisions.
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