Scandal Shakes the Korean Union
The Korea Football Association (KFA) apologized on Saturday after a media report alleged that it provided “sexual services” to foreign referees during their stay in the country to officiate international matches more than a decade ago.
The South Korean JTBC network reported last Thursday that the Korean Football Association provided these services to foreign referees on multiple occasions in 2011 and 2012, including during South Korea’s 2-0 victory over France in Seoul in February 2012 as part of the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifiers.
In a statement, the KFA said: “We deeply apologize for raising concerns about various issues related to the association, which emerged from an unprecedented parliamentary hearing and inspection and seizure, as well as reports regarding events that occurred more than a decade ago, which were not even known to many within the organization.”
The network cited a 2016 investigation by the Ministry of Sport, which found that the KFA provided inappropriate entertainment to foreign referees on seven occasions between March 2011 and March 2012, including trips to massage parlors where the fees included costs for sexual services.
The KFA added in its statement: “The association clearly confirms that such inappropriate behavior, or the use of corporate cards for such purposes, does not occur at all in the present day.”
JTBC reported that it obtained a document titled “Results of the Investigation into Misconduct of KFA Officials and Staff,” which included information on seven matches held in Korea where inappropriate sexual services were provided to a total of 20 individuals, including foreign referees and match observers.
The seven matches identified were:
• March 2011: Friendly against Honduras (South Korea won 4-0).
• March 2011: Olympic friendly against China (South Korea won 1-0).
• June 2011: Friendly against Serbia (South Korea won 2-1).
• September 2011: Asian qualifiers for the London Olympics against Oman (South Korea won 2-0).
• October 2011: Friendly against Poland (2-2 draw).
• February 2012: Asian qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup against Kuwait (South Korea won 2-0).
• March 2012: Final Asian qualifiers for the London Olympics against Qatar (0-0 draw).
Korea News Agency focused on the South Korea-Kuwait match, noting that in the early hours of match day, 500,000 won ($300) was deducted from the KFA’s card at a massage center in Seoul. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism clarified that this amount was for services provided to two referees who officiated the match.
South Korean outlet Sports News strongly criticized the KFA, accusing it of providing inappropriate services to foreign referees responsible for managing matches with integrity, describing the act as a “shame on Korean football.” The outlet noted that if the allegations are true, the matter could escalate into an international issue. It also reported that the match against Kuwait was officiated by a Japanese refereeing team.
South Korean newspaper Star News provided a summary of the seven matches, stating that 760,000 won ($540) was deducted for four referees in the Oman match, and 198,000 won for one match observer in the Qatar match. South Korea achieved five wins and two draws in these seven matches, but the newspaper stated that no evidence was found suggesting these services influenced match decisions or outcomes.
These allegations add to the scrutiny the KFA is facing over a separate issue concerning the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. Police told Reuters they raided the KFA offices on Thursday as part of an investigation into Hong’s appointment.
Hong returned to coach the national team in 2024, having previously held the position between 2013 and 2014. His appointment sparked controversy after the KFA abandoned a months-long search that included foreign candidates, opting instead for a brief meeting. The contentious issue resurfaced following South Korea’s disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup, which ended with their elimination from the group stage.
