Seoul: Police have determined the statute of limitations has expired regarding allegations that the Korea Football Association (KFA) offered sexual entertainment to foreign referees between 2011 and 2012, an official said Wednesday. The football governing body recently faced allegations that it paid for sexual entertainment for visiting referees at massage parlors and other adult establishments before and after international matches held in South Korea between March 2011 and March 2012.
According to Yonhap News Agency, an official from the National Police Agency stated during a briefing that "it appears that the statute of limitations has expired for the charge of facilitating prostitution," while also noting that authorities will continue to investigate the case. Police had previously indicated that the statute of limitations was a significant legal barrier to pursuing the allegations, which date back 15 years.
Under South Korean law, the statute of limitations of 15 years or longer is reserved for major severe offenses, such as those punishable by life imprisonment. The allegations against the KFA originated from a 2016 government audit report that was recently made public, coinciding with an ongoing investigation into the association's contentious appointment of Hong Myung-bo as head coach of the men's national team for 2024.
In response to the allegations, the KFA has issued an apology and has vowed to implement reforms aimed at enhancing transparency within the organization.