South Korea Football Association Issues Apology Over Alleged Referee Sex Scandal

POLICY WIRE — Seoul, South Korea — The Korea Football Association (KFA) issued an apology on Saturday following allegations that it provided sexual services to foreign referees during their visits to the country for international matches over a decade ago.

South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Thursday that the KFA had offered such services on multiple occasions in 2011 and 2012, including during qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup. The report has prompted significant backlash — and calls for a thorough investigation.

“The KFA deeply regrets the situation and sincerely apologizes to the public for causing concern and disappointment,” the association stated in a press release. “We’re committed to conducting a transparent — and comprehensive investigation into the matter.”

The allegations first surfaced when JTBC aired an investigative report detailing instances where foreign referees were allegedly provided with sexual services. The report included testimonies from sources within the KFA — and other related entities.

The KFA has faced mounting pressure to address the allegations transparently. Sports officials and fans alike have called for accountability and reforms within the association to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

This scandal comes at a sensitive time for South Korean football, which has been working to enhance its international reputation and credibility. The KFA’s response and the outcomes of the investigation will likely have lasting implications for the organization and the broader football community in the country.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)