Scandal: Football association allegedly paid foreign referees for 'happy ending' massages
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
News
Official statement
Under investigation
- The South Korean Football Association (KFA) allegedly paid for sexual services for foreign referees between 2011 and 2012.
- The payments were reportedly made using corporate credit cards at massage parlors and adult establishments.
- The scandal involves referees from several Asian countries and raises questions about financial impropriety in international football.
The South Korean Football Association (KFA) is reportedly embroiled in a scandal involving alleged payments for sexual services provided to foreign referees during 2011 and 2012. The revelations stem from a decade-old government audit report, as detailed by South Korean news agency Yonhap.
According to the report, compiled in 2016 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the KFA utilized corporate credit cards to pay for these services. The transactions allegedly occurred at massage parlors and other adult entertainment venues in cities hosting matches involving the South Korean national team. These matches included qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
happening at the time
Yonhap reports that approximately a dozen referees and coordinators from countries including Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan were recipients of these alleged services. Former KFA officials reportedly described the practice as "common at the time," with some referees specifically requesting such arrangements.
While prostitution is illegal in South Korea, establishments offering "happy ending" massages are prevalent. The alleged payments also contravene international football statutes that prohibit any form of financial compensation for referees beyond official allowances. The KFA is currently facing intense scrutiny, with its offices recently searched as part of an investigation into the appointment of a former national team coach.
happy ending
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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