South Korea's Korean Football Association Rocked by 'Sexual Services' Allegations for Referees
The Korea Football Association (KFA) faces a deepening crisis amid early August 2026 reports, based on a 2016 government audit, alleging it provided 'sexual services' to foreign referees during 2011-2012 international matches. This has drawn condemnation and a KFA apology.
South Korea's football governing body, the Korea Football Association (KFA), is embroiled in a deepening scandal following explosive reports this month alleging it provided 'sexual services' to foreign referees and match commissioners over a decade ago. The revelations, which stem from a 2016 government audit, have rocked the football community and prompted the KFA to issue a public apology, even as another investigation into managerial appointments grips the organization. South Korean Police Raid Korea Football Association Over Hiring Of Ex-National Team Coach Hong Myung-bo.
The allegations, first brought to light by South Korean broadcaster JTBC in early August 2026, claim that the KFA utilized corporate credit cards to cover costs for 'inappropriate entertainment,' including sexual services at massage parlors and adult establishments, for approximately ten foreign officials. These services were purportedly provided in cities like Seoul, Ulsan, and Changwon, coinciding with seven international matches held between March 2011 and March 2012.
Details of the Allegations
The 2016 audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism found that KFA corporate cards were used on eight occasions for these activities. The matches in question included crucial qualifiers for both the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as well as several friendly games. Notably, the South Korean national team remained undefeated in these seven contests, securing five wins and two draws.
Among the specific matches cited were South Korea's 2-0 victory over Oman in a 2012 London Olympics qualifier on September 21, 2011, and their 2-0 win against Kuwait in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier on February 29, 2012. The KFA also drew 0-0 against Qatar on March 14, 2012, in another Olympic qualifier. Officials from countries including Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan were among those who officiated these games and allegedly received the favors.
A former KFA official, identified only as 'Mr. B', was quoted in reports stating, "The massage fee included the cost of sexual services. Such services were requested by the foreign referees themselves," suggesting a troubling culture of quid pro quo.
KFA's Response and International Reaction
The KFA has since issued a formal apology, acknowledging the "disappointment and concern caused by the various issues and controversies" surrounding the association. "The association makes clear that inappropriate conduct of this kind, or the use of corporate cards for such purposes, is absolutely not currently taking place," the KFA stated, pledging extensive reforms to restore transparency.
The scandal has quickly drawn international attention. The Japan Football Association (JFA) confirmed it is investigating four Japanese referees who are allegedly among the recipients of these services, with findings expected to be disclosed upon completion of their inquiry. South Korea Star Lee Kang-In Joins Atletico Madrid From PSG.
Broader Scrutiny for Korean Football
This latest revelation compounds an already tumultuous period for South Korean football. The KFA's offices were raided by police on August 6, 2026, as part of a separate investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the controversial 2024 appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. This ongoing probe, coupled with the decade-old 'sexual services' allegations, has placed the KFA under unprecedented scrutiny, leading to calls for deep reflection and reform from figures like Park Ji-sung, Chair of the K-Football Innovation Committee.
As the investigations unfold, the Korean football landscape grapples with the profound implications of these historic allegations, striving to regain public trust and uphold the integrity of the sport.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 10:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).