South Korea crisis deepens over sexual favours for referees scandal

What the report says

South Korea’s football association has apologised after a string of controversies, including allegations that KFA credit cards were used to pay for sexual entertainment for foreign referees visiting the country in the early 2010s. According to a ministry report obtained and reported by South Korean outlet JTBC, the disputed expenses totalled 5.6 million won and were allegedly disguised as costs for food, drink or massages. The referees involved were said to have worked on matches linked to South Korea’s qualifying campaigns for the 2012 Olympics and 2014 World Cup.

BBC Sport reported that the KFA said it was sorry for “various controversies” and insisted that such conduct is not happening at the association now. The apology also came against the backdrop of public anger over South Korea’s poor World Cup performance, which led to the resignations of manager Hong Myung-bo and KFA president Chung Mong-gyu earlier this summer.

The scandal comes as police investigate the KFA headquarters over suspected obstruction of business linked to Hong’s appointment as coach. Korean media have reported that investigators may also examine the referee-related allegations, and the BBC noted that Japan’s football association is reportedly reviewing claims involving some of its referees. The case matters because it adds to pressure on South Korean football governance and raises wider questions about accountability, hiring practices and the use of association funds.