The Korea Football Association has apologized after a previously undisclosed government investigation alleged that association funds were used to provide sexual services to visiting foreign referees and football officials more than a decade ago.
The findings stem from a 2016 investigation by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism into corruption within the KFA. The report remained out of public view until broadcaster JTBC obtained it and revealed details of spending that took place mainly between 2011 and 2012.
According to the investigation, the KFA paid for visits to massage parlors involving foreign match officials on at least eight occasions. Three of the cases were linked to matches connected with qualification for the World Cup or Olympic Games.
The total spending identified in the report was close to 5.6 million Korean won, equivalent to roughly $3,950. Investigators also found that some of the payments were later recorded internally as expenses for meals, alcohol or ordinary massage services.
Payments Linked to Major Qualifiers
One incident followed South Korea’s Olympic qualifying match against Oman on September 21, 2011. The report said four referees involved in the game were taken to a massage establishment during the early hours of the following day, with the KFA paying 760,000 won.
Further cases were linked to South Korea’s World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on February 29, 2012, and an Olympic qualifier against Qatar in March of the same year.
The investigation also alleged that the association paid for similar services for three officials from the Chinese Football Association who were in South Korea through a referee exchange program.
The nationalities of several other officials were not identified in the report. Japan’s football authorities have since begun examining claims that four Japanese referees may have been involved.
Investigation Found Institutional Responsibility
The government audit examined KFA corporate card records and interviewed association employees. Investigators concluded that the practice was not simply the unauthorized action of one individual, even though one employee reportedly handled much of the arrangements.
The report found that the activity had been carried out with institutional approval. Employees interviewed during the inquiry said some foreign officials had requested the services.
Despite the financial records and internal testimony, prosecutors decided in December 2017 that there was not enough evidence to proceed with criminal action.
South Korea’s sports ministry has now confirmed that it referred the matter for further investigation at the time and instructed the KFA to address the findings. The ministry said it continues to treat the issue seriously despite the events having occurred more than a decade ago.
KFA Says Controls Have Since Changed
In its response to the renewed controversy, the KFA apologized for the damage caused by the disclosures and said the conduct described in the report does not reflect its current practices.
The association said a tighter corporate card system introduced in 2013 prevents cards from being used at certain venues, including massage parlors and karaoke businesses.
It has also changed how visiting referees are supported. Dedicated liaison staff now handle officials, while assistance is restricted to areas such as transport, accommodation and meals. Gifts are limited to conventional souvenirs.
The revelations come at a difficult time for the KFA, which has already faced criticism over governance and transparency. Public dissatisfaction intensified following South Korea’s group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup and controversy surrounding the appointment of the national team coach.
President Lee Jae Myung called for greater scrutiny of the association after the tournament, adding further pressure on an organization already facing questions about how it is managed.