**South Korea FA Apologises Over ‘Sexual Services’ Allegations**
In a significant development, South Korea's national football association, the Korea Football Association (KFA), issued an apology on Saturday following allegations that it provided "sexual services" to foreign referees during their visits for international matches over a decade ago. The allegations were reported by South Korean broadcaster JTBC, which detailed incidents occurring in 2011 and 2012, coinciding with qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics.
The KFA's statement addressed the concerns raised by the media report, which cited a 2016 investigation conducted by the sports ministry. According to the findings, the KFA had facilitated inappropriate entertainment for foreign referees on at least seven occasions between March 2011 and March 2012. This included trips to massage parlours where the fees reportedly covered sexual services.
In their apology, the KFA expressed regret for the distress caused by the revelations, stating, "We deeply apologise for causing concern over various issues involving the association, which emerged from a parliamentary hearing and an unprecedented search and seizure, and from reports about events from more than a decade ago, that even many within the organisation were unaware of." The association emphasized that such conduct is not occurring currently and reaffirmed its commitment to ethical standards in its operations.
The timing of the allegations coincides with heightened scrutiny of the KFA, particularly regarding the recent appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. On the same day as the KFA's apology, Seoul police conducted a raid on the association's offices as part of an investigation related to Hong's hiring. This move has raised questions about the transparency and integrity of the KFA's decision-making processes.
Hong Myung-bo, who previously managed the national team from 2013 to 2014, returned to the role in 2024 after a brief meeting with KFA officials. His selection has been controversial, especially after the KFA's decision to abandon a lengthy search for foreign candidates in favor of appointing Hong. This controversy has intensified following South Korea's disappointing performance in the recent World Cup, where the team exited in the group stage.
As the KFA navigates these allegations and the ongoing investigation, it faces a critical moment in restoring public trust and ensuring accountability within the organization. The association has not provided additional comments or details regarding the allegations or the police investigation at this time.
The unfolding situation highlights the challenges faced by sports organizations in maintaining ethical standards and transparency, particularly in light of past misconduct. The KFA's response and subsequent actions will be closely monitored by both the public and relevant authorities as the investigation progresses.