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Football Association apologizes for 'sexual favors' scandal, vows reform
🇰🇷 South Korea /Sports

Football Association apologizes for 'sexual favors' scandal, vows reform

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • The Korea Football Association issued a formal apology for past controversies, including allegations of providing sexual favors to referees.
  • The association stated that such inappropriate behavior and corporate card misuse are not currently occurring.
  • It pledged to use the criticism as an opportunity for reform, focusing on transparency and improving the football association's future.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued a public apology for various controversies surrounding the organization, acknowledging the deep disappointment and concern caused to fans and stakeholders. The apology comes amid investigations into allegations of providing sexual favors to foreign referees during seven matches in 2011 and 2012, including World Cup and Olympic qualifiers held in South Korea.

We deeply apologize for causing concern with various issues related to the association.

— Korea Football AssociationIn a statement addressing recent controversies.

In a statement released through official channels, the KFA expressed profound regret for the distress caused by numerous issues that have emerged since the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The association specifically addressed the recent parliamentary hearing and unprecedented police raids, which have brought to light incidents from over a decade ago that were not widely known even within the organization.

We are very sorry for causing great disappointment and worry with various issues surrounding the association since the 2026 North, Central American and Caribbean World Cup qualifiers.

— Korea Football AssociationIn a statement addressing recent controversies.

While offering a sincere apology for these past transgressions, the KFA emphasized that such inappropriate conduct and misuse of corporate credit cards are strictly prohibited and not currently taking place. The association vowed to treat the widespread criticism as a catalyst for thorough reform, promising to enhance transparency and ethical standards within its organizational culture. This includes addressing issues related to the selection of its president, with plans to expand the electorate for presidential elections.

Currently, such inappropriate behavior or corporate card usage is absolutely not occurring.

— Korea Football AssociationIn a statement addressing recent controversies.

The KFA aims to transform into an organization that earns cheers rather than anger, and support rather than criticism, by focusing on the inherent values of football. The association is committed to continuous self-reflection and rigorous efforts to build a better future for Korean football, striving to regain the trust and admiration of the public.

We will take all of this criticism to heart and use it as an opportunity for thorough reform.

— Korea Football AssociationIn a statement addressing recent controversies.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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