South Korean FA apologises as sexual favours scandal for referees emerges

The South Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued a formal apology for a series of controversies, including the revelation that association funds were used to pay for sexual entertainment for foreign referees. The allegations concern events from the early 2010s, with reports suggesting that KFA credit cards were used to cover these costs under false expense claims.

The scandal came to light after the media organisation JTBC obtained a 2016 report from the nation's ministry of culture, sport and tourism. The document indicates that approximately 5.6 million won was spent at massage parlours for referees who officiated matches during the qualification rounds for the 2014 World Cup and 2012 London Olympics.

In an official statement, the KFA expressed deep regret for the disappointment caused, listing these historical events alongside recent poor performances by the national team. While the association asserted that such misuse of funds is not occurring today, it acknowledged that it has lost sight of its fundamental purpose, describing the current internal situation as dire.

The KFA headquarters were recently raided by police as part of an investigation into the recruitment process for manager Hong Myung-bo. Authorities have indicated they will review whether the sexual favour allegations should be included in the ongoing probe, given that a 15-year statute of limitations applies to many crimes in South Korea.

Former national team captain Park Ji-sung, who now leads a new government-backed football innovation committee, announced that presidential elections will be held before the end of the year. He has proposed expanding the electorate from 200 officials to approximately 20,000 members to improve governance transparency.