Korea FA Hit by Referee Sex Bribery Claims
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 8 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
South Korea’s football authorities are under dual pressure from a police corruption probe and fresh allegations of past sexual bribery involving international match officials . Investigators from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s financial crime unit searched the Korea Football Association headquarters and another office on Thursday, August 6, as part of an inquiry into whether senior officials improperly interfered with the process for appointing the national team coach . At the same time, a 2016 internal anti-corruption report cited by local media alleged the KFA arranged “sexual entertainment” for more than ten foreign referees and supervisors during major qualifiers between 2011 and later tournament cycles . The combined revelations have intensified scrutiny of governance, accountability and ethics in South Korean football .
Key Points
- Police searched the KFA headquarters and a related office on August 6, seizing evidence tied to suspected abuse of authority .
- Investigators are examining whether then-KFA president Chung Mong-gyu and other executives breached association rules in the coach appointment process .
- A 2016 ministry anti-corruption report alleged sexual hospitality was provided from March 2011 during World Cup and Olympic qualifiers .
- More than ten foreign referees and match supervisors were allegedly involved in fixtures linked to Brazil 2014 and London 2012 qualification .
- KFA said documents are retained only five years, limiting verification, but it has since tightened internal compliance guidelines .
Why It Matters
The allegations go beyond sporting controversy because they raise questions about corruption, governance failures and the treatment of international officiating in high-stakes matches . The police action and revived bribery claims could further damage the credibility of the KFA, especially as public criticism had already grown over the slow pace of earlier investigations and the disputed appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo .