South Korea crisis deepens over sexual favours scandal

South Korea's football association (KFA) has apologized for a series of controversies, including a scandal involving alleged payments for sexual favors for foreign referees. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism investigated the allegations in 2016 and found that payments totaling 5.6 million won (£2,927) were made using KFA credit cards for sexual entertainment at massage parlors for foreign referees visiting South Korea to officiate matches in the early 2010s.

The report concluded that KFA staff reported the expenses under false pretenses, claiming the money was used for food and drinks or massages. The KFA acknowledged the controversy, stating that such inappropriate conduct or misuse of corporate cards is not occurring at the association currently. However, the association is facing significant challenges, as it has recently lost sight of its fundamental purpose and has lost key figures such as manager Hong Myung-bo and KFA president Chung Mong-gyu.

The police investigation into the allegations of sexual favors could be expanded, and there is a statute of limitations of 15 years for many crimes in South Korea. The KFA is also facing a potential investigation into claims made by the Japanese football association (JFA) regarding its referees.