The Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued an apology following a media report alleging that it provided sexual services to foreign referees during international matches more than a decade ago.
Allegations from JTBC report
South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Thursday that the KFA had provided such services to foreign referees on multiple occasions in 2011 and 2012. These incidents reportedly occurred when referees were in the country for qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics.
The KFA did not immediately respond to an email seeking further comment. However, in a statement on Saturday, the association apologised and declared that such activity was not currently taking place.
KFA statement and ongoing investigation
The statement read: "We deeply apologise for causing concern over various issues involving the association, which emerged from a parliamentary hearing and an unprecedented search and seizure, and from reports about events from more than a decade ago that even many within the organisation were unaware of."
The KFA also said: "The association makes clear that inappropriate conduct of this kind, or the use of corporate cards for such purposes, is absolutely not currently taking place."
The allegations add to scrutiny of the association over a separate issue involving the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. Seoul police raided the KFA’s offices on Thursday as part of an investigation related to Hong’s appointment.
President's criticism
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung provided a damning assessment of his country’s World Cup campaign and exit on social media. He wrote: "I am not just taken aback by this unexpected outcome, I am utterly baffled."
He added: "Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions are everything. When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire."
