South Korea crisis deepens over sexual favours scandal

South Korea's football association has issued an apology for a series of controversies, including allegations of payments for sexual favors made to foreign referees. The ministry of culture, sport and tourism discovered that 5.6 million won (£2,927) was spent on "sexual entertainment" at massage parlours for foreign referees visiting South Korea to officiate matches in the early 2010s.

The scandal involves referees who officiated matches for South Korea during the 2014 World Cup and 2012 Olympic Games. The KFA initially claimed these expenses were for food, drink or massages, but an official stated that it was common practice at the time. The association expressed regret for the disappointment and concern caused by the various controversies, but also noted that inappropriate conduct or misuse of corporate cards is not occurring at the association currently.

Hong Myung-bo and KFA president Chung Mong-gyu both resigned from their posts following public anger over South Korea's poor performance at the 2026 World Cup. The KFA's headquarters were raided by police as part of an investigation into an alleged obstruction of business concerning Hong's appointment as manager. An investigation into claims that some of South Korea's referees may have been involved is currently underway by the country's football association (JFA), though a statute of limitations of 15 years applies to many crimes in South Korea.