South Korea Football Association Issues Apology as Multiple Scandals Deepen Crisis
The Korea Football Association has apologised for a series of controversies following the team's early World Cup exit, including allegations that foreign referees were provided sexual services and questions over coach Hong Myung-bo's appointment process.
South Korea Football Association Issues Apology as Multiple Scandals Deepen Crisis
The Korea Football Association has issued a public apology following mounting criticism over multiple controversies, including allegations that foreign referees were provided with sexual entertainment and concerns about irregular hiring practices in the appointment of former head coach Hong Myung-bo.
The organisation stated it found itself "in a truly deplorable situation" and acknowledged it had "lost sight of our fundamental role" after South Korea's disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the group stage despite expectations surrounding captain Son Heung-min and what had been described as a "golden generation" of players.
Sexual Entertainment Allegations Surface
The controversy intensified after local media reported findings from a 2016 government audit that revealed the KFA had provided foreign referees with sexual services in 2011 and 2012. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism audit, the association used corporate credit cards to pay for sexual services for foreign referees from Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iran and Uzbekistan at massage parlours in Seoul, Changwon, Ulsan and other cities between March 2011 and March 2012.
The allegations relate to seven international matches during that period. South Korea went unbeaten in those fixtures, recording five victories and two draws, including wins over Oman and Kuwait in World Cup and Olympic qualifiers.
The Japan Football Association has launched an investigation into four Japanese referees who allegedly officiated matches during the 2011-2012 period and has committed to making the findings public. Under FIFA's Code of Ethics, violations involving sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation carry minimum sanctions of ten years with no limitation period for prosecution.
Coaching Appointment Under Scrutiny
Hong, 57, resigned immediately after South Korea's 1-0 defeat to South Africa confirmed their early exit from the tournament. However, his departure did little to quell public anger. Instead, scrutiny intensified over the process that led to his appointment in 2024.
South Korea's sports ministry determined in October 2024 that the KFA breached its own rules in the appointments of both Hong and former coach Jürgen Klinsmann. The ministry found that the technical director's meeting with Hong at a bakery near his home did not constitute a proper interview process.
Hong had previously managed South Korea's national team from 2013 to 2014, stepping down after the team exited the 2014 World Cup in Brazil at the group stage with one draw and two defeats. His second tenure, which reportedly carried an annual salary of 2 billion won (approximately 1.3 million dollars) under a contract through February 2027, ended in similar disappointment.
Police Investigation and Parliamentary Hearing
Police summoned Hong as a suspect on 4 August 2026 and investigated him on charges including obstruction of business and breach of trust. Two days later, on 6 August, authorities raided the KFA headquarters as part of their investigation.
South Korean lawmakers summoned Hong, along with current and former KFA officials, to a parliamentary hearing on 30 July, where they questioned officials about the recruitment process and Hong's salary arrangements.
The alleged incidents involving foreign referees occurred during the tenure of former KFA president Cho Jung-yeon, while the 2016 Ministry audit took place after Chung Mong-gyu assumed office. Chung resigned from his position in 2026 following South Korea's World Cup elimination.
KFA Response
In its statement, the KFA said many people within the organisation had been "unaware" of the incidents involving foreign referees but stopped short of denying they had taken place. The association emphasised that "such improper conduct is no longer taking place."
Social media users have circulated lists of foreign referees who officiated South Korea matches during the period in question, while the scandal has reignited debates about governance and transparency within South Korean football administration.
The crisis represents one of the most challenging periods for the KFA, coming at a time when the expanded 48-team World Cup format offered greater opportunity for advancement. The 2026 tournament featured 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group automatically qualifying for the Round of 32, alongside the eight best third-placed teams.
