Football association apologizes amid allegations over providing sexual entertainment for foreign referees

Seoul, August 8 (Yonhap) -- The Korean Football Association (KFA) issued an apology on Saturday for allegations that the organization provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees during international matches held in South Korea between 2011 and 2012. The revelation emerged following a government audit conducted in 2016, which revealed that the KFA utilized corporate credit cards to fund such activities at massage parlors and other adult establishments in Seoul and other cities hosting matches from March 2011 to March 2012.

The KFA extended its "deepest regret" for the ensuing disappointment and concern, acknowledging the range of issues, from parliamentary hearings and police raids to media reports, that had arisen over the past decade, even remaining unknown to some within the federation. In response, the KFA pledged to implement comprehensive reforms and enhance transparency to regain public trust.

A parliamentary hearing held the previous day questioned Chung Mong-gyu, who had resigned as KFA president, and Hong Myung-bo, who had stepped down as South Korea's head coach following the team's early exit from the FIFA World Cup in June. Police conducted a raid on the KFA's offices earlier in the week, following allegations surrounding the 2024 appointment of Hong Myung-bo.