South Korean FA apologizes over sexual entertainment allegations
· Yahoo Sports
The South Korean Football Association (KFA) apologized on Saturday over allegations it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees before and after international matches held in the country between 2011 and 2012.
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Earlier this week, a government audit from 2016 was made public that found the KFA used corporate credit cards to pay for sexual entertainment at massage parlours and other adult establishments in Seoul and other cities that hosted international matches between March 2011 and March 2012.
"We are deeply sorry for the disappointment and concern caused by the various issues and controversies surrounding the association since the 2026 FIFA World Cup," the KFA said on Saturday.
"We express our sincere apologies for causing concerns over a range of issues, from a parliamentary hearing and an unprecedented police raid to media reports about incidents from more than a decade ago that even members within the federation were unaware of," it said.
"Every member of the association will take the criticism directed at us from all quarters deeply to heart and use it as an opportunity for sweeping reform."
Although massage parlours offering sexual services are widespread in South Korea, prostitution is prohibited. In addition, the bylaws of international football associations prohibit any form of financial compensation for referees.
The KFA is currently under intense political pressure. On Thursday, authorities raided the KFA's offices as part of a probe into the appointment of former men's national team coach Hong Myung Bo.
Police seized documents that they believe will help determine whether there was any improper meddling and obstruction by KFA leaders, including its former chief Chung Mong-gyu, during the hiring process.