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South Korea Football Association Apologises Over Alleged Payments for Foreign Referees
8/12/2026, 8:02:43 PM
Alleged Payments for Foreign Referees
A report compiled by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism in 2016—released to the public after being obtained by broadcaster JTBC—details payments made with Korea Football Association (KFA) credit cards for “sexual entertainment” at massage parlours. The expenditures, totalling 5.6 million won (approximately £2,927), were recorded as expenses for food, drink or massages but were later linked to foreign referees who officiated qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Findings of the Ministry Report
JTBC’s investigation of the ministry document states that KFA staff filed the expenses under false pretences. A KFA official, cited by JTBC, described the practice as “common” during the early 2010s. The report does not indicate that the payments continued beyond that period.
KFA’s Official Apology and Leadership Changes
The association emphasized that the alleged misuse of corporate cards is not occurring presently and linked the apology to broader criticism, including the national team’s poor performance at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The statement also noted that manager Hong Myung-bo and KFA president Chung Mong-gyu resigned earlier this summer following intense public anger over the team’s group-stage exit, which featured Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa.
Impact on South Korean Football
The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the KFA’s governance and financial oversight. Critics argue that the scandal, combined with recent on-field failures, undermines public confidence in the association’s ability to uphold fair play and ethical standards. The KFA’s pledge to refocus on “joy and exhilaration” for fans signals an attempt to restore credibility, but the episode highlights systemic issues that may prompt further reforms within South Korean football administration.
