South Korea Football Association Apologises Over ‘Sexual Services’ Allegations
The association said it will expand the presidential electorate and tighten ethics rules after reports alleged sexual services were paid for with corporate cards.
- On Saturday, the Korea Football Association apologized regarding allegations that it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees between 2011 and 2012, stating it had "found itself in a truly devastating situation."
- Local broadcaster MBC alleged on August 7 that the KFA provided sexual services to around 10 overseas referees, citing a 2016 Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism audit report detailing payments made with corporate credit cards.
- The referees oversaw seven matches between 2011 and 2012, including World Cup and London Olympics qualifiers, where officials received massages at parlours in Seoul, Ulsan and other cities.
- These revelations deepen a crisis for the KFA, which is already under scrutiny following a National Assembly hearing and an unprecedented police raid on Thursday investigating coach Hong Myung-bo's contentious appointment.
- Officials pledged "deep self-reflection and intensive efforts" to reform the organization's culture, while expressing hope that controversies do not diminish the achievements of national team players representing South Korea.
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'We Are Deeply Sorry': Korea Football Association Apologises Over 'Sexual Bribery' as Police Weigh Massage Parlour Probe
The Korea Football Association allegedly used corporate funds to pay for massage parlour visits for foreign referees on eight occasions between 2011 and 2012, South Korean audit records show, as police now weigh possible prostitution charges and the governing body issues a public apology over 'sexual bribery' claims. Acknowledging the escalating controversy, the Korea Football Association leadership released a statement on Saturday expressing de…
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