**Title: South Korea FA Apologises Over ‘Sexual Services’ Allegations**
**Date: August 8, 2026**
The Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued a public apology following allegations reported by South Korean broadcaster JTBC, claiming that the association provided "sexual services" to foreign referees during their visits to South Korea for international matches over a decade ago. The allegations specifically reference incidents that occurred in 2011 and 2012, coinciding with qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics.
The KFA's apology comes in the wake of a parliamentary hearing and an investigation that included a search and seizure operation at the association’s offices. In a statement released on Saturday, the KFA expressed regret for the concerns raised by the reports, acknowledging that many within the organization were unaware of the events being discussed.
According to the JTBC report, a 2016 investigation by the South Korean sports ministry revealed that the KFA had arranged inappropriate entertainment for referees on seven occasions between March 2011 and March 2012. This included trips to massage parlours where the costs were said to have covered sexual services.
In its statement, the KFA emphasized that such conduct is not occurring currently and that the use of corporate cards for these purposes is strictly prohibited. The association's response indicates a commitment to addressing past misconduct and ensuring that such incidents do not recur.
The allegations come at a time when the KFA is already under scrutiny for another issue involving the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. Recently, Seoul police conducted a raid on the KFA's offices as part of an investigation related to Hong's appointment. Hong, who previously managed the national team from 2013 to 2014, was reappointed in 2024 after a controversial selection process that bypassed a lengthy search for foreign candidates.
The controversy surrounding Hong's appointment intensified following South Korea's disappointing performance in the recent World Cup, where the team exited in the group stage. The KFA’s handling of both the allegations regarding the treatment of referees and the coaching appointment has raised questions about governance and accountability within the association.
As the KFA navigates these challenges, it faces the task of restoring public trust and ensuring that its operations align with ethical standards in sports management. The association's commitment to transparency and reform will be crucial in addressing the fallout from these allegations and in shaping the future of football governance in South Korea.