Summary
- South Korea’s football association has apologised over a controversial old scandal involving claims that foreign referees were provided inappropriate entertainment during visits to the country more than a decade ago.
- The apology came after a media report revived allegations surrounding incidents that reportedly took place between 2011 and 2012, including during visits by referees involved in qualifying matches for major international tournaments.
- While the historical allegations date back more than a decade, the association’s apology has once again brought the episode into the spotlight, raising fresh questions about accountability within South Korean football.
South Korea’s football association has apologised over a controversial old scandal involving claims that foreign referees were provided inappropriate entertainment during visits to the country more than a decade ago.
The apology came after a media report revived allegations surrounding incidents that reportedly took place between 2011 and 2012, including during visits by referees involved in qualifying matches for major international tournaments.
According to the report, foreign match officials were allegedly provided inappropriate entertainment on several occasions. It cited a 2016 investigation by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which reportedly found that such entertainment had been arranged seven times between March 2011 and March 2012.
The allegations included visits to massage establishments where the costs of sexual services were reportedly covered. The claims have renewed questions over the standards and practices surrounding officials during that period.
The Korea Football Association expressed regret over the matter and apologised for the controversy. The governing body also stressed that such practices are no longer taking place and that corporate cards are not being used in a similar manner.
The resurfacing of the allegations comes at a difficult time for the association, which is already facing scrutiny over the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
South Korean police reportedly raided the association’s offices on Thursday as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hong’s appointment, which has attracted significant criticism.
The latest developments have therefore placed the football body under renewed pressure to address concerns over governance and transparency.
While the historical allegations date back more than a decade, the association’s apology has once again brought the episode into the spotlight, raising fresh questions about accountability within South Korean football.
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