South Korea FA apologises over historical allegations of providing sexual services to referees
The Korea Football Association has issued an apology for past conduct involving foreign referees during 2011 and 2012 international matches, while simultaneously facing a police investigation into the controversial selection of former coach Hong Myung-bo.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued a formal apology following media reports alleging that the organisation provided sexual services to foreign referees during international matches in 2011 and 2012. The allegations, which relate to qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympic Games, have reignited scrutiny over the governance and financial controls of South Korea’s governing body for football.
South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Thursday that the KFA had provided such services on multiple occasions. The report cited a 2016 investigation by South Korea’s sports ministry, which found that the KFA had provided inappropriate entertainment to foreign referees on seven occasions between March 2011 and March 2012. This included covering fees at massage parlours where the costs included sexual services.
In a statement released on Saturday, the KFA expressed deep regret for the concern caused by recent parliamentary hearings, search and seizure operations, and media reports regarding events from more than a decade ago. The association clarified that many within the organisation were unaware of these past events and explicitly stated that such conduct, including the use of corporate cards for these purposes, is not currently occurring.
The apology coincides with heightened institutional pressure on the KFA, as Seoul police raided its offices on Thursday. The raid was conducted in connection with a separate investigation into the controversial appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. Police confirmed the action to Reuters, linking the operational disruption to the ongoing probe into the association’s recruitment processes.
Hong Myung-bo returned to the role of national team coach in 2024, following a previous tenure from 2013 to 2014. His recent selection drew significant criticism after the KFA abandoned a months-long search involving foreign candidates to appoint Hong following a brief meeting. The controversy surrounding his leadership resurfaced prominently after South Korea’s recent World Cup campaign ended in a disappointing group-stage exit, amplifying demands for accountability within the association’s leadership.
