South Korea football crisis: KFA sexual services for referees

Coach Hong Myung-bo, who is also a former captain of the South Korea national team, was forced to resign from his role due to the controversy. Under his leadership, South Korea had a disappointing performance in the recent World Cup, raising questions about his coaching ability.

Why it matters

This dispute with the South Korea Football Association (KFA) not only affects the image of football, but it can also have a deep impact on the preparations for the World Cup 2026. The resignations of coach Hong Myung-bo and president Chang Mong-gyu raise questions about the stability of the association. This type of scandal can lead to a loss of trust between players and fans.

Key Points

• South Korea football crisis: KFA charges sexual services for referees.
• KFA has apologized over payments for sexual services to referees. The controversy has led to resignations in management and a police investigation..
• South Korea football crisis: KFA apologizes over sexual favors for referees as scandal deepens - BBC Sport.

The South Korean Football Association (KFA) has apologized amid controversy surrounding payments for sexual services for foreign referees. The controversy escalated when South Korean media publicized a report by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2016, alleging that the KFA paid 5.6 million won (approximately £2,927) for sexual entertainment for foreign referees.

These payments began in the early 2010s, when the South Korea national team played at the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics. Referees were invited for these matches. According to the report, KFA employees incorrectly reported these expenses as being for food and drinks or massages. JTBC reported that a KFA official said, "This was normal practice at the time."

The KFA released a statement on its official social media saying, "We deeply apologize for the disappointment and concern caused by the various controversies." The statement also mentioned the team's poor performance at the 2026 World Cup, as well as media reports that date back to incidents more than a decade ago. KFA also clarified that at present such unfair practices or misuse of corporate cards are not taking place in the association.

In recent days, coach Hong Myung-bo and KFA president Chang Mong-gyu resigned from their positions due to South Korea's poor performance at the World Cup. In this World Cup, South Korea could not get out of its group, which included Mexico, Czech Republic and South Africa. KFA's headquarters were raided by police last week as part of an investigation into alleged "obstruction of business" in relation to Hong's appointment as manager.

According to multiple reports, the police investigation may also extend into allegations of payment for sexual services. Many crimes in South Korea have a 15-year statute of limitations. Japanese media reports say the Japan Football Association (JFA) is investigating allegations involving some of its referees. KFA and JFA have been contacted for comment on this issue.

Meanwhile, former national team captain and Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung, who has been placed under a new football innovation committee by the government, said presidential elections would be held before the end of the year. He recommended increasing the voter list from about 200 officials, club representatives, coaches and players to about 20,000.

What will happen next

KFA has clarified that no impropriety is currently taking place, but improvements will be required in the future. Preparations for the World Cup 2026 will require new leadership, capable of overcoming this crisis. Meanwhile, the association will have to take concrete steps to improve its image and regain the confidence of the fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

South Korea Football Association (KFA) has apologized over which controversy?

The KFA has apologized over the controversy surrounding payments for sexual services for foreign referees.

Who has confirmed the apology of KFA?

KFA released a statement on its official social media confirming the apology.

Why has this controversy come to light now?

The controversy came to light when South Korean media publicized a report in 2016, which accused the KFA of paying for sexual entertainment for foreign referees.

What changes did KFA mention in its statement?

KFA clarified that at present such unfair practices or misuse of corporate cards are not taking place in the association.

Which prominent figures have been affected by the KFA controversy?

Coach Hong Myung-bo and KFA president Chang Mo

Ng-gyu has resigned from his posts due to South Korea's poor performance in the World Cup.

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