The Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued a formal public apology following explosive allegations that it provided sexual services to foreign referees visiting the country over a decade ago. The organization released a statement addressing the controversy, which has resurfaced to haunt the nation's highest football governing body.
The scandal originated from an investigative report by the South Korean broadcaster JTBC, aired last Thursday. The report claimed that on at least seven occasions between 2011 and 2012, the KFA provided unethical benefits and sexual services to foreign referees who were in the country to officiate international matches. These incidents allegedly occurred during the qualification rounds for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 Olympics.
The revelations have caused significant turmoil within the Korean football community. In its statement, the KFA expressed deep concern regarding the reports, noting that many current staff members were unaware of these decade-old events. The association stated, "Parliamentary hearings, unprecedented police raids, and recently published reports about events from a decade ago have concerned us. We sincerely apologize for the anxiety caused by these issues."
The JTBC report drew on a 2016 investigation conducted by the South Korean Ministry of Sports. That inquiry found that between March 2011 and March 2012, the KFA provided "inappropriate entertainment" to foreign referees on several occasions. The documented expenses included visits to massage parlors, where illicit services were provided.
Despite the gravity of these historical allegations, the KFA emphasized in its recent statement that such unethical activities are now strictly prohibited within the organization. The association confirmed that the use of corporate cards for any such purposes is completely banned and has been eradicated.