The South Korea Football Association (KFA) has apologised following reports that officials used the organisation’s corporate funds to provide sexual services and other inappropriate entertainment for international referees more than a decade ago.
According to a report by South Korean broadcaster JTBC, the KFA spent money on such activities on seven occasions between March 2011 and March 2012. The report, which referenced a 2016 investigation by the country’s sports ministry, alleged that corporate credit cards were used to cover expenses at massage parlours and adult entertainment venues in Seoul and other cities hosting international matches.
The reported incidents allegedly involved foreign match officials during the qualifying campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics.
In its apology, the football body said the revelations had caused disappointment and concern among the public. It also stressed that most of its current officials were neither involved in nor aware of the alleged activities.
The KFA said conduct of such nature, including the misuse of corporate cards for inappropriate purposes, was not happening under its current administration.
The association also acknowledged the controversies that have surrounded it in recent months, including a parliamentary hearing and a police search of its offices over alleged irregularities linked to the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as national team coach in 2024.
The latest controversy comes after former KFA president Chung Mong-gyu and Hong were questioned during a parliamentary hearing in July following South Korea’s early elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The football association has promised broad reforms aimed at improving transparency, restoring public confidence and strengthening its institutional integrity.