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Korea Football Association apologizes amid sexual bribery allegations

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • The Korea Football Association (KFA) issued a public apology following allegations of providing sexual entertainment to foreign referees.
  • This controversy compounds recent criticism after South Korea's poor performance at the 2026 World Cup and a police raid on KFA headquarters.
  • The KFA pledged sweeping reforms to enhance transparency and integrity within the organization.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued a profound apology to fans and the sporting community amidst escalating controversies, including allegations that it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees over a decade ago. This latest embarrassment follows South Korea's disappointing showing at the 2026 World Cup and a recent police raid on the association's offices.

We are deeply sorry for the severe disappointment and concern caused by the various controversies surrounding the association since the 2026 World Cup.

— Korea Football AssociationIn their public apology to soccer fans and sporting professionals.

In a message posted on its website, the KFA expressed deep regret for the "severe disappointment and concern" caused by various issues. The association acknowledged losing sight of its fundamental purpose, stating, "we now find ourselves in a deplorable situation." The apology specifically addressed concerns arising from a National Assembly hearing, the police raid, and reports of incidents dating back more than 15 years.

It is our aim at the Association to bring joy and excitement to soccer fans through the passionate pursuit of scoring goals and the sportsmanship exhibited along the way. But we have recently lost sight of our fundamental purpose and now find ourselves in a deplorable situation.

— Korea Football AssociationExpressing regret over the current state of the association and its deviation from its core mission.

The KFA's reputation has been further tarnished by reports that it offered sexual entertainment to foreign referees and match coordinators during international qualifiers and matches held in Korea in 2011 and 2012. The association asserted that "such inappropriate conduct and use of association cards absolutely does not happen today."

Such inappropriate conduct and use of association cards absolutely does not happen today.

— Korea Football AssociationAsserting that the alleged misconduct involving sexual entertainment for referees is no longer practiced.

In response to the mounting criticism and the ongoing investigations, the KFA has pledged to undertake thorough reforms. It committed to taking external criticism as an opportunity for self-reflection and improvement, aiming to reinforce transparency and integrity within its organizational culture. These efforts are intended to secure the future of Korean football.

All members will take to heart the criticism and condemnation coming from outside the organization and view them as an opportunity for thorough reform.

— Korea Football AssociationPledging to use external criticism as a catalyst for significant organizational reform.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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