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🇰🇷 South Korea /Sports

Football Association apologizes amid referee 'sex entertainment' scandal, vows reform

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • The Korea Football Association apologized for recent controversies, including poor performance in the World Cup qualifiers and police investigations.
  • Allegations of sexual favors for foreign referees from 14-15 years ago have surfaced, adding to the crisis.
  • The association pledged to reform its organization, improve transparency, and focus on future events like the Asian Games and Asian Cup.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued a public apology amidst a deepening crisis, acknowledging the significant disappointment and concern caused to fans and officials. The apology comes after a string of setbacks, including the national team's dismal performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and a recent police raid on its headquarters.

We are very sorry for causing great disappointment and concern to football fans and officials surrounding the association after the 2026 World Cup.

— Korea Football AssociationIn their public apology addressing recent controversies.

Adding to the turmoil are resurfaced allegations of providing sexual favors to foreign referees during international matches approximately 14 to 15 years ago. These revelations, coupled with ongoing investigations into alleged improper intervention in the appointment process of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo, have cast a dark shadow over the association's integrity.

The association admitted to being in a "truly dire situation" and losing its core function of delivering joy and passion through fair play.

— Korea Football AssociationDescribing the current state of the organization in their apology.

The KFA expressed deep regret for the distress caused by these various issues, stating, "We are very sorry for causing great disappointment and concern to football fans and officials surrounding the association after the 2026 World Cup." The association admitted to being in a "truly dire situation" and losing its core function of delivering joy and passion through fair play.

We will take all the criticism and scolding from all directions to heart and use it as an opportunity for thorough reform.

— Korea Football AssociationPledging to undertake significant reforms in response to the scandals.

In response to the widespread criticism and scrutiny, the KFA has pledged a thorough reform of its organization. "We will take all the criticism and scolding from all directions to heart and use it as an opportunity for thorough reform," the association stated. They vowed to pursue self-reflection and rigorous efforts for a better future of Korean football, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing organizational transparency and morality. The association also committed to swiftly implementing policy tasks, including expanding the electorate for the president's election and preparing for upcoming events like the Asian Games and the Asian Cup.

Currently, such inappropriate acts or card usage are absolutely not occurring.

— Korea Football AssociationAddressing the allegations of sexual favors for referees.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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