South Korea football body says sorry as controversies pile up after World Cup exit

Seoul, August 9 — The beleaguered South Korean football association (KFA) issued an apology for a series of controversies, including alleged unfair practices in coach selection and claims that it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees. The KFA faced growing criticism following the team's early exit from the World Cup, despite high hopes for a "golden generation" spearheaded by Son Heung-min.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned following a 1-0 loss to South Africa, but this only fueled public anger and intensified scrutiny over his appointment. Reports emerged last week that the KFA had provided sexual entertainment for foreign referees in 2011 and 2012, based on a 2016 government audit that had previously been undisclosed.

The KFA issued a statement on Saturday, expressing sincere apologies for the disappointment and concern caused by these controversies. They acknowledged that they had "lost sight of our fundamental role" and admitted to being in a "truly deplorable situation". The association came under increased scrutiny after police raids at KFA headquarters as part of an investigation into Hong Myung-bo's appointment.

Questions had already been raised about his selection in 2024, but this scrutiny escalated after South Korea failed to advance past the group stage. MPs in South Korea summoned Hong and former and current KFA officials for a parliamentary hearing on July 30, questioning them about the hiring process and Hong's annual salary. The KFA faced further controversy over allegations that foreign referees received sexual entertainment in 2011 and 2012.

A 2016 government audit revealed that the KFA had provided "inappropriate hospitality" to foreign referees and Chinese Football Association officials on eight occasions. Social media users have begun circulating a list of foreign referees who officiated matches for South Korea during this period. The KFA claimed that many within the association were unaware of these incidents, but did not deny their occurrence. They stated that such improper conduct was no longer taking place.