Seoul
The Korea Football Association (KFA) apologised on Saturday over allegations that it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees and match officials before and after international matches held in South Korea in 2011 and 2012.
The apology comes as the football governing body faces mounting scrutiny following South Korea’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a series of controversies surrounding its operations.
Local media recently reported that the KFA had allegedly arranged such entertainment for foreign referees and match officials during several World Cup and Olympic qualifiers and friendly matches played in 2011 and 2012, reports Xinhua.
The association said it was deeply sorry for the disappointment and concern caused by a parliamentary hearing, a police raid on its headquarters and media reports concerning alleged irregularities dating back more than a decade.
The KFA maintained that there are currently no such improper practices or use of corporate cards, while promising sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, ethical standards and public trust.
The association has also come under scrutiny over the appointment of former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo. Police raided its headquarters earlier this week as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2024 appointment process.
A parliamentary hearing was held last month, with former KFA president Chung Mong-gyu and Hong questioned over the national team’s management and the association’s operations.
Chung resigned as KFA president as criticism intensified following South Korea’s World Cup campaign. The team finished third in Group A with three points after defeating the Czech Republic but losing to Mexico and South Africa.
Quotes
Deeply sorry for the disappointment and concern caused by the allegations and scrutiny.
- KFA
In announcing his resignation, the former KFA president acknowledged both the successes and failures of his tenure.’
- Chung Mong-gyu
