South Korea FA apologises over ‘sexual services’ allegations

What the report says

South Korea’s Korea Football Association has apologised after a broadcaster alleged that the body provided “sexual services” to foreign referees during international football visits more than a decade ago. The report, carried by South Korean broadcaster JTBC and published by Reuters through Al Jazeera, focused on events in 2011 and 2012, including trips linked to qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics.

According to the article, JTBC cited a 2016 sports ministry inquiry that found the KFA had arranged inappropriate entertainment for referees on several occasions. The report said those arrangements included visits to massage parlours, with the cost allegedly covering sexual services. The KFA said in a statement that it deeply regretted the concern caused by issues raised in parliamentary hearings, searches and seizures, and reports about older events that many within the organisation were not aware of.

The association also said such conduct is not currently taking place and rejected any suggestion that corporate cards are being used for that purpose. The KFA did not immediately provide further comment when contacted, according to the report.

The allegations have added to wider scrutiny of the association, which is also facing questions over the appointment of national team coach Hong Myung-bo. Seoul police raided KFA offices on Thursday in connection with that separate investigation, Al Jazeera reported.