Korean FA Apologizes After Revelations of Paying for Referees' Sexual Services

The Korea Football Association (KFA) issued an apology on Saturday following revelations that it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees before and after international matches held in the country between 2011 and 2012.

Earlier this week, a 2016 government audit came to light, detailing how the KFA used corporate credit cards to pay for sexual entertainment at massage parlors and other adult establishments in Seoul and other cities that hosted international matches from March 2011 to March 2012.

“We deeply regret the disappointment and concern caused by the various issues and controversies surrounding the federation since the 2026 World Cup,” the KFA stated, as quoted by DPA.

“We sincerely apologize for causing concern over a range of issues, from a parliamentary hearing and an unprecedented police raid to media reports of incidents from over a decade ago, which even current members of the federation were unaware of. Every member of the association will take to heart the criticisms leveled against us from all sides and will use them as an opportunity for comprehensive reform,” the statement further read, as reported by BTA.

While massage parlors offering sexual services are widespread in the Republic of Korea, prostitution is illegal. Furthermore, the regulations of international football associations strictly prohibit any form of financial compensation for referees.

The football federation is currently under intense political pressure. On Thursday, authorities raided its offices as part of an investigation into the appointment of former men's national team coach Hong Myung-bo. Police seized documents they believe will help determine if there was improper interference and obstruction by executives, including former chief Chung Mong-gyu, during the coach negotiation process.