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South Korea's national football association has issued a public apology following explosive media allegations that it provided "sexual services" to foreign referees over a decade ago.
The claims surfaced after a report by South Korean broadcaster JTBC on Thursday.
The report alleged that the Korea Football Association (KFA) offered such services to international referees on multiple occasions in 2011 and 2012.
This period included qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics held in the country.
Responding to the allegations, the KFA said: "We deeply apologise for causing concern over various issues involving the association, which emerged from a parliamentary hearing and an unprecedented search and seizure, and from reports about events from more than a decade ago, that even many within the organisation were unaware of."
JTBC's report cited a 2016 sports ministry investigation, which reportedly found that the KFA had provided "inappropriate entertainment" to foreign referees seven times between March 2011 and March 2012.
This included trips to massage parlours where the fees covered the costs of sexual services.
The KFA has not yet responded to requests for further comment or details regarding the allegations.
"The association makes clear that inappropriate conduct of this kind, or the use of corporate cards for such purposes, is absolutely not currently taking place," the KFA said in its statement.
The allegations add to scrutiny of the association over a separate issue, involving the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
Seoul police raided the KFA's offices on Thursday as part of an investigation related to Hong's appointment, police said.
Hong returned as national team coach in 2024 after a previous spell in charge from 2013 to 2014. His appointment drew scrutiny after the KFA abandoned a months-long search involving foreign candidates and selected Hong following a brief meeting.
The controversy resurfaced after South Korea's disappointing World Cup campaign ended in a group-stage exit.
South Korea were eliminated early from the competition after failing to build on the strong start that saw them come from behind to beat Czech Republic, subsequently losing their next two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico.
The result was met with brutal condemnation from the country’s president and Hong resigned from his post in national disgrace.