Korea FA Apologises Over Referee Sex Hospitality Allegations
Crhk · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Korea Football Association issued a public apology on Saturday after allegations resurfaced that it arranged “sexual hospitality” for foreign referees visiting South Korea for international matches from March 2011 to March 2012 . The claims stem from a 2016 government audit report that South Korean media recently brought back into focus, intensifying criticism of the association’s ethics and governance . Reports said the entertainment involved more than a dozen referees and took place at massage parlours and other adult venues in Seoul, Ulsan and elsewhere, with costs reaching nearly one million won per person . The controversy has deepened broader public concern over the KFA’s transparency, especially after the national team’s World Cup group-stage exit and a police raid linked to the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo .
Key Points
- The KFA said it was deeply sorry for disappointing and worrying the public, and pledged comprehensive reform to improve transparency and integrity .
- A 2016 government audit reportedly found the misconduct occurred between March 2011 and March 2012 during visits by foreign referees .
- South Korean media said more than a dozen overseas referees received entertainment at adult venues in Seoul, Ulsan and other cities .
- Reported spending ranged from several hundred thousand won to nearly one million won per referee, with some payments made by company credit card .
- The period coincided with seven crucial South Korea internationals, including 2012 Olympic qualifiers and 2014 World Cup qualifiers, with the team unbeaten .
Why It Matters
The case raises serious questions about sporting integrity, referee impartiality and whether unethical off-field conduct may have intersected with important international fixtures . It also adds to mounting pressure on the KFA to reform its governance as public trust weakens over both past misconduct and current decision-making controversies .