'Sexual Harassment and Search Seizure': Football Association Issues Formal Apology, Promises Thorough Reform... "No Inappropriate Conduct or Card Usage Currently"

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) bowed its head amid a series of controversies, including a National Assembly hearing, police search and seizure, and past scandals involving sexual harassment of foreign referees.

On the 8th, the association released a statement saying, "We deeply regret the great disappointment and concern caused by various disturbances surrounding the KFA after the 2026 North American World Cup," and added, "Our association has recently lost its core functions and is in a truly dire situation."

Recently, police investigated the process of appointing former coach Hong Myung-bo and conducted a historic search and seizure at the association. The most significant controversy stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment toward foreign referees over a decade ago. Between March 2011 and for one year, it was alleged that more than 20 foreign referees participating in A-match games and qualifiers held domestically were provided with sexual services. Records revealed that payments were made using corporate cards at massage parlors in Seoul, Ulsan, and other locations, with expenses falsely recorded as meal costs—details reportedly even presented to the former vice president.

At the time, officials testified that this was a customary practice aimed at "keeping the referees in good spirits" and ensuring they would "blow the whistle fairly the next day" to avoid unfavorable officiating decisions. In fact, in the seven matches where sexual harassment occurred, South Korea recorded five wins and two draws, never suffering a single loss.

However, the association clearly stated, "We firmly assert that no such inappropriate conduct or card usage is occurring at present," drawing a clear line. It explained that the 'Clean Card System' was introduced in 2013, and corporate cards are now managed transparently. The association further expressed its sincere hope that "the valuable achievements and efforts of our national team players will not be misunderstood or diminished due to this incident."

With numerous challenges ahead following the resignations of President Chung Mong-koo Jeon (Chairman) and former coach Hong Myung-bo, the association pledged, "We will deeply internalize all external criticism and condemnation among all members and turn this into an opportunity for thorough reform," promising to promptly implement preparations for the Asian Games and expand the pool of presidential election candidates.

However, critics continue to point out that without concrete plans for investigating the facts or taking action against responsible individuals, explanations citing "past events" alone will make it difficult to restore the severely damaged trust.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.