South Korean football body apologises over referee sex scandal
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
South Korea's national football association apologised on Saturday after a media report alleged it had provided 'sexual services' to foreign referees during international matches in 2011 and 2012 . The Korea Football Association (KFA) admitted to inappropriate conduct revealed in a 2016 sports ministry investigation, while insisting such practices are no longer occurring . The scandal adds to mounting pressure on the KFA, which is already under investigation over the controversial appointment of national team coach Hong Myung-bo .
Key Points
- JTBC reported that KFA provided sexual services to foreign referees on multiple occasions in 2011 and 2012, including during 2014 World Cup and 2012 London Olympics qualifiers .
- A 2016 sports ministry investigation found the KFA provided inappropriate entertainment to foreign referees on seven occasions between March 2011 and March 2012 .
- The entertainment included trips to massage parlours where fees covered the costs of sexual services, paid for using corporate cards .
- Seoul police raided KFA offices on Thursday as part of a separate investigation into Hong Myung-bo's appointment as national team coach .
- Hong returned as coach in 2024 after a previous 2013-2014 spell, following KFA's abandonment of a months-long foreign candidate search .
Why It Matters
The scandal threatens to severely damage South Korean football's international reputation and raises serious questions about governance and ethical standards within the KFA . With police already investigating the Hong Myung-bo appointment, the association now faces multiple overlapping crises that could lead to significant leadership changes and reforms in Korean football administration .
The scandal threatens to severely damage South Korean football's international reputation and raises serious questions about governance and ethical standards within the KFA . With police already investigating the Hong Myung-bo appointment, the association now faces multiple overlapping crises that could lead to significant leadership changes and reforms in Korean football administration .