Police depart from the Korea Football Association’s headquarters in Seoul’s Jongno District on Aug. 6, 2026, after raiding the association’s offices over allegedly paying for sexual services for several referees in 2011 and 2012. (Yonhap)
Following Korea’s poor showing at the 2026 World Cup and a humiliating police raid, the reputation of the Korea Football Association has been further tarnished by allegations that it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees a decade and a half ago. The latest embarrassment prompted the association to issue an apology and pledge sweeping reforms.The KFA’s apology appeared in a message to soccer fans and sporting professionals posted to its website Saturday.“We are deeply sorry for the severe disappointment and concern caused by the various controversies surrounding the association since the 2026 World Cup,” the message said.“It is our aim at the Association to bring joy and excitement to soccer fans through the passionate pursuit of scoring goals and the sportsmanship exhibited along the way. But we have recently lost sight of our fundamental purpose and now find ourselves in a deplorable situation,” the KFA said.“We offer our deepest apologies for arousing concern through various issues involving the association, from the National Assembly hearing and the unprecedented police raid to reports about incidents more than a decade old that came as a surprise even to many within the organization,” the KFA added in its latest apology.The KFA has faced withering criticism since the national team was eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup after subpar play.The K-Football Innovation Committee, organized by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is already undertaking a sweeping overhaul of South Korean football. Additionally, various allegations about administrative irregularities at the KFA, including the dubious hiring process of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo, were addressed at a hearing in the National Assembly.Police have prioritized their investigation into whether KFA executives improperly meddled in Hong’s appointment, culminating in a raid on the head office on Thursday.The latest blot on the KFA’s already black record came with reports that it had provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees and match coordinators during World Cup and Olympic qualifiers and warm-up matches in Korea in 2011 and 2012.“Such inappropriate conduct and use of association cards absolutely does not happen today,” the KFA asserted in its apology.The association also pledged reforms.“All members will take to heart the criticism and condemnation coming from outside the organization and view them as an opportunity for thorough reform,” it said.“For the sake of the future of Korean football, we will continue our diligent efforts, along with serious self-reflection, and reinforce transparency and integrity in our organizational culture.”“We will also do our utmost to swiftly implement policy initiatives such as expanding the panel of electors for the KFA presidency while preparing for the upcoming Asian Games, international fixtures in the second half of the year, and the Asian Cup,” the KFA promised.By Kim Kyu-nam, staff reporterPlease direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]
