South Korea’s football association has been found to have spent significant sums on sexual entertainment for foreign referees before or after matches between 2011 and 2012, according to a recent report. The Korea Football Association (KFA) reportedly used corporate credit cards to pay for services at massage parlors on at least eight occasions during this period, involving 10 referees and match commissioners who officiated in seven different games, including three World Cup matches and Olympic qualifiers.
The details emerged from an internal audit conducted by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2016, though the findings were only made public last week by a South Korean broadcaster. In response, the KFA issued a formal apology, acknowledging the misconduct and expressing regret for losing sight of its fundamental responsibilities in promoting fair and respectful sportsmanship.
One specific incident cited in the report involved the morning following South Korea’s 2-0 victory over Oman in 2011 during qualifiers for the London Olympics. Four referees who officiated the match were taken by the KFA to a massage parlour, with expenses totaling approximately 760,000 Korean won (roughly £400), recorded in the accounts as post-match drinks. Additionally, the association allegedly provided similar entertainment to a referee assessor after the 2012 Olympic qualifier against Qatar.
According to a statement from a KFA official referenced in the report, this practice was “something that was routinely done at the time.” However, the revelation has raised concerns about professionalism and ethics in football governance.
Among those implicated, at least two were Japanese referees. One is currently serving as the referee manager for the Japan Football Association, overseeing officials in Japan’s professional J-League, according to Japanese media reports. One Japanese official reportedly received sexual services following South Korea’s 2012 qualifying match against Kuwait, which secured South Korea’s berth in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The report also names three referees associated with the Chinese Football Association as recipients of such services. However, the Chinese Football Association has yet to issue a response or comment on the allegations.
The unfolding scandal highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining transparency and ethical standards within international football organizations. The KFA’s apology may represent a step toward accountability, though the implications for involved officials and related football bodies remain under scrutiny.