South Korea FA apologises over ‘sexual services’ allegations

South Korea's national football association has issued an apology following media reports alleging it provided "sexual services" to foreign referees. These alleged incidents occurred in 2011 and 2012, during qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics. A 2016 sports ministry investigation reportedly found the Korea Football Association (KFA) had provided inappropriate entertainment on seven occasions, including trips to massage parlors where fees covered sexual services. The KFA stated that such conduct is not currently occurring and expressed regret for the concern caused by these past events, which emerged from a parliamentary hearing and a search and seizure.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued an apology following a media report alleging it provided "sexual services" to foreign referees. South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported that these alleged services occurred on multiple occasions in 2011 and 2012, including during international matches for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and the 2012 London Olympics. The KFA stated they deeply apologize for the concern caused by these reports, which emerged from a parliamentary hearing and subsequent investigations. The association acknowledged that many within the organization were unaware of these past events.

South Korea's football governing body, the Korea Football Association (KFA), is facing new allegations that it arranged sexual services for foreign referees in 2011 and 2012. These claims stem from confidential audit documents prepared by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2016, as reported by broadcaster JTBC. A former KFA official reportedly stated the association aimed to influence officiating in their favor. The referees involved officiated matches involving teams from several countries, including Japan, the UAE, Iran, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan. This comes as the KFA is already under police investigation for alleged irregularities and nepotism in coaching appointments, with headquarters raided recently.

Seoul police have raided the Korea Football Association (KFA) offices as part of an investigation into allegations of obstruction of business concerning the appointment of former coach Hong Myung-bo. Hong's return as national team coach in 2024 faced scrutiny after the KFA reportedly abandoned a lengthy search for foreign candidates and appointed him following a brief meeting, which a ministry review later found did not constitute a proper interview. This issue gained prominence after South Korea's early exit from the FIFA World Cup. While a ministry review found the KFA breached its own rules, it did not uncover evidence of illegal conduct or order Hong's contract cancellation. Police had been investigating complaints of improper interference prior to the World Cup, but no criminal findings have been announced.