South Korea’s football association, the KFA, has issued a formal apology following a protracted scandal involving allegations of payments for sexual favors for foreign referees. A report by the nation’s Ministry of Culture, Sport, and Tourism, compiled in 2016, revealed a significant amount – totaling 5.6 million won (£2,927) – was exchanged between the KFA and referees visiting the country for matches in the early 2010s, particularly during the qualifying rounds for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 Olympic Games. The ministry’s investigation indicated that these payments were made for ‘sexual entertainment’ at massage parlours for foreign referees.
According to JTBC’s investigation, the ministry discovered that KFA staff reported these expenses under false pretenses, claiming they were used for food and drink or massages. The report concluded that KFA staff had improperly documented these transactions, suggesting the money was intended for these purposes. The KFA’s official statement, released on social media, acknowledged the disappointment and concern caused by the controversy, stating the team’s poor performance at the 2026 World Cup and referencing media reports detailing events from over a decade ago, even those involving staff members who were unaware of these circumstances. The KFA further stated that the association had recently lost sight of its fundamental purpose and was in a dire situation.
The resignation of both manager Hong Myung-bo and President Chung Mong-gyu underscores the severity of the situation. JTBC reported that an investigation into the alleged obstruction of business, which could potentially be linked to the alleged sexual favors, is underway, with an official stating that it will review the matter. The KFA has stated that the allegations are not occurring at the association currently, but the report indicates that this is being considered as part of a wider investigation.
The KFA’s return in 2024 following a previous spell in charge between 2013 and 2014, which was finalized after the KFA abandoned a months-long hiring process in which various foreign coaches were interviewed, has been a subject of significant public anger. Park Ji-sung, a former national team captain and Manchester United midfielder, has been appointed as the head coach, and presidential elections are scheduled to take place before the end of the year, with a plan to expand the electorate to include semi-professionals and club representatives. The KFA’s initial statement highlighted the team’s poor performance at the World Cup, which resulted in a group featuring Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Africa, but the investigation is now being widened to examine the allegations of sexual favors.
The Korean media has reported that the country’s football association (JFA) is investigating claims that some of its referees were involved in these allegations. BBC Sport has contacted both the KFA and JFA for comment. The head coach post remains vacant, and Park Ji-sung has stated that presidential elections will take place before the end of the year, with the electorate to be expanded to include semi-professionals and club representatives.
Further details regarding the investigation and the potential legal ramifications are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. The KFA’s initial statement acknowledged the concerns, and the association’s focus on the team’s performance at the 2026 World Cup, and its recent restructuring, has been viewed with considerable concern by fans and analysts alike. The controversy has cast a shadow over South Korea’s football landscape, with the potential for significant repercussions for the association and the sport itself.
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Source: BBC Football
