The Korea Football Association (KFA) has apologised to football fans and officials and pledged sweeping reforms as a widening governance crisis intensifies following allegations that foreign referees and match officials were provided sexual entertainment more than a decade ago.
The Yonhap news agency reported on Friday, citing a 2016 government audit, that the KFA had used corporate credit cards to pay for sexual entertainment at massage parlours and other adult establishments during international matches in 2011 and 2012.
The audit was compiled by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2016. The alleged spending took place between March 2011 and March 2012 in Seoul and other cities that hosted international matches.
Alleged entertainment for foreign officials
The matches included qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. South Korea remained unbeaten in the seven matches, recording five wins and two draws.
According to Yonhap, about a dozen referees and match coordinators from Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Bahrain and Uzbekistan received such favours.
Former KFA officials told broadcaster JTBC that the practice was “common at the time”, with some referees allegedly requesting to be served at adult establishments.
The incidents had already been identified in the 2016 audit but were not made public at the time, Yonhap reported.
Although massage parlours offering sexual services are widespread in South Korea, prostitution is prohibited. The bylaws of international football associations also prohibit any form of financial compensation for referees.
KFA faces mounting scrutiny
The latest allegations have emerged as the KFA faces intense political and public scrutiny following South Korea’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.
The fallout has included the first National Assembly hearing on the KFA, a police raid on its offices and renewed scrutiny over the appointments of former national team coaches Hong Myung-bo and Jurgen Klinsmann.
The KFA’s governance and management came under scrutiny during the National Assembly hearing on July 30, which examined, among other issues, the contentious appointments of the two former national team coaches.
On Thursday, police raided the KFA’s offices as part of an investigation into allegations that former KFA president Chung Mong-gyu and other senior officials improperly intervened in Hong’s appointment.
Police seized documents believed to be relevant to determining whether there had been improper meddling and obstruction by KFA leaders during the hiring process.
Association promises sweeping reforms
In a statement issued Saturday, the KFA apologised for the controversies and acknowledged the growing concerns surrounding the association.
“We are deeply sorry for causing great disappointment and concern over the controversies surrounding the association since the 2026 World Cup,” it said.
The association described itself as being in a “truly devastating situation”, saying it had lost sight of its fundamental responsibility to bring fans joy through players’ hard work, passion and sportsmanship.
It also apologised for the series of issues involving the association, from the National Assembly hearing and the unprecedented police search and seizure to reports concerning events from more than a decade ago that many of its own staff members were unaware of.
The KFA stressed that “such improper conduct or use of corporate cards is absolutely not occurring at the association today.”
The association also expressed concern that the controversies could overshadow the achievements of South Korean national team players.
“We sincerely hope that this controversy will not cast doubt on or diminish the hard-earned achievements and efforts of our national team players, who have worn the South Korean flag on their chests and represented South Korean football,” it said.
The KFA pledged “deep self-reflection and intensive efforts” to build a better future for South Korean football while improving transparency and ethical standards within its organisational culture.
It also said it would continue preparations for the upcoming Asian Games, international matches in the second half of the year and the Asian Cup.
The association pledged to swiftly implement policy changes, including expanding the electorate for the KFA presidential election.
“Once again, we apologise for the profound disappointment and shock we have caused to football fans in South Korea and members of the football community around the world,” it said.
The KFA pledged to continue working towards becoming an organisation that inspires “cheers rather than anger, and support and praise rather than boos and criticism.”
