South Korea football association apologises after report alleges payments for sexual favours
On 12 August 2026, South Korea's football association faced renewed scrutiny after a 2016 government report — made public last week after being obtained by JTBC — alleged payments had been made for sexual favours for visiting foreign referees. The Korea Football Association issued an apology for "various controversies" following the revelations.
JTBC's investigation said the ministry's 2016 report found 5.6m won (£2,927) charged to KFA credit cards for "sexual entertainment" at massage parlours for foreign referees who officiated matches in the early 2010s. The referees named in the report included officials who took charge of qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 Olympic Games in London, tournaments for which South Korea qualified. The report concluded KFA staff recorded the expenses under false pretences, claiming the money was used for food and drink or massages.
An official at the KFA told JTBC, "it was common practice back in those days." In a statement posted to social media, the KFA said: "We offer our deepest apologies for the disappointment and concern caused by the various controversies." The association also cited the team's poor performance at the 2026 World Cup and referred to "media reports regarding events from over a decade ago that even many of our own staff members were unaware of".
The KFA statement added: "However, we wish to clearly state that such inappropriate conduct or misuse of corporate cards is absolutely not occurring at the association at present. "Our association, which ought to bring joy and exhilaration to football fans through the fierce pursuit of goals and the fair sportsmanship that emerges in the process, has recently lost sight of its fundamental purpose and finds itself in a truly dire situation."
Manager Hong Myung-bo and KFA president Chung Mong-gyu resigned earlier this summer after public anger over South Korea's World Cup exit, in which the team failed to progress from a group featuring Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa. KFA headquarters were raided by police last week as part of an investigation into an alleged "obstruction of business" concerning Hong's appointment after his return in 2024. Korean media reports said that return followed a previous spell between 2013 and 2014 and was allegedly finalised after a brief meeting once the KFA abandoned a months-long hiring process in which various foreign coaches were interviewed.
Police said they could widen the probe to include the sexual favours allegations and an official told a briefing "we will review it". The report noted there is a statute of limitations of 15 years for many crimes in South Korea. Reports in Japanese media said the Japan Football Association is investigating claims some of its referees were involved; BBC Sport has contacted the KFA and JFA for comment.
Park Ji-sung, placed in charge of a new football innovation committee by the government, recommended expanding the electorate for KFA presidential elections from around 200 officials, club representatives, coaches and players to around 20,000, including semi-professionals, and the head coach post remains vacant.
An official at the police briefing said "we will review it" regarding whether to widen the investigation, and Park confirmed presidential elections will take place before the end of the year.
