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Korea Football Association apologizes for referee sexual services scandal
The Korea Football Association (KFA) has issued a public apology following the release of a government report alleging the organization paid for sexual services for foreign referees and officials between 2011 and 2012.
A 2016 report from South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, recently made public, details at least eight instances where the KFA allegedly spent money on ‘sexual entertainment’ at massage parlors. These expenses were often disguised in official records as costs for food or alcohol. The incidents coincided with high-stakes matches, including qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The revelations have sparked significant controversy, particularly regarding the potential for South Korea to lose its 2012 Olympic bronze medal. If the International Olympic Committee determines that the officiating was compromised, the medal could be stripped, potentially elevating Japan to the third-place position. The report also noted allegations involving officials from the Chinese Football Association.
The KFA stated that such conduct is not occurring currently and expressed regret for the issues raised by the long-delayed report.
Entities
Hong Myung-bo · International Olympic Committee · Jin Sun-mi · Korea Football Association · South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The KFA spent approximately 5.6 million Korean won on sexual entertainment during a one-year period. www.haberaktuel.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Korea Football Association (KFA) paid for sexual entertainment at massage parlors at least eight times between 2011 and 2012. www.haberaktuel.com · www.rbbtoday.com · kvia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Payments for sexual services were allegedly made for three officials from the Chinese Football Association. www.haberaktuel.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The potential stripping of South Korea’s 2012 Olympic bronze medal could result in Japan being promoted to third place. www.rbbtoday.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] KFA employees reported sexual entertainment expenses as post-match drinking costs. www.haberaktuel.com · kvia.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The incidents occurred around matches involving World Cup and Olympic qualifiers. www.haberaktuel.com · www.rbbtoday.com · kvia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Korea Football Association issued a public apology regarding the allegations. kvia.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The sexual entertainment was provided to foreign referees and football officials. www.haberaktuel.com · kvia.com