Seoul: The national football association issued an apology following allegations that it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees before and after international matches held in the country between 2011 and 2012.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a 2016 government audit revealed that the Korea Football Association (KFA) had used corporate credit cards to pay for sexual entertainment for visiting referees at massage parlors and other adult establishments in Seoul and other cities hosting international matches from March 2011 to March 2012.
In its statement, the KFA expressed regret for the disappointment and concern caused by various issues and controversies linked to the association since the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The organization apologized for the concerns arising from a range of issues, including a parliamentary hearing, an unprecedented police raid, and media reports about incidents from over a decade ago that were unknown even to some federation members.
The KFA committed to implementing comprehensive reforms, pledging to enhance transparency and restore integrity within the organization to align with public expectations.
A parliamentary hearing was convened late last month to question Chung Mong-gyu, who resigned as president of the KFA, and Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down as South Korea's head coach following the team's early exit at the FIFA World Cup in June.
Police also conducted a raid on the KFA's offices earlier this week, investigating allegations of irregularities related to the 2024 appointment of Hong.