The Korea Football Association has issued an apology over several controversies, including allegations that money was spent on sexual services for international match officials.
The country’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism completed a report into the claims in 2016. It became public last week after being obtained by a South Korean broadcaster.
The ministry reportedly discovered that 5.6 million won (£2,927) had been charged to association credit cards for sexual services at massage establishments used by overseas referees visiting South Korea in the early 2010s.
Among those officials were referees appointed to qualifying fixtures for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics involving the South Korean national side.
South Korea secured qualification for both competitions.
Investigators concluded that association employees had disguised the spending by recording it as payments for meals, drinks or massages.
An association representative reportedly described the conduct as a widely accepted practice at the time.
In a statement published on social media, the organisation expressed its sincere regret for the concern and disappointment created by the recent controversies.
Its apology addressed several matters, including the national team’s disappointing showing at the 2026 World Cup and reports about incidents from more than a decade earlier that many current employees did not know about.
The organisation stressed that no comparable misconduct or improper use of company credit cards is taking place within the association today.
It also acknowledged that an organisation expected to inspire supporters through competitive football, determined efforts to score and respect for fair play had recently strayed from its core mission and entered a serious crisis.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo and association president Chung Mong-gyu stepped down earlier this summer amid intense public criticism of South Korea’s World Cup campaign. The team failed to advance from a group containing Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa.
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