'South Korea's soccer suffers international disgrace': German media reports that even the President criticized it, focusing on KFA's 'prostitution entertainment and special treatment' controversy

*This content was translated by AI.

The shameful face of the Korea Football Association has been put under international scrutiny. A leading German media outlet thoroughly reported on South Korea's dark side in soccer, from allegations of prostitution entertainment for referees to controversies over special treatment in appointing the national team coach.

On the 7th (Korean time), Germany's 'Der Spiegel' reported that "the Korea Football Association has had no quiet days since the disappointing World Cup," extensively covering scandals surrounding the association.

First, the media heavily reported on allegations of prostitution entertainment for foreign referees. The content states that between 2011 and 2012, the association paid for visits to prostitution massage establishments for referees at least seven times ahead of A-level matches. In particular, it specifically pointed out that in February 2012, before a crucial World Cup qualifier against Kuwait, payments were made to two Japanese assistant referees for establishment costs.

Der Spiegel also pointed out signs of concealment within the Korean soccer community. The report detailed that an association official at the time stated, "Such entertainment was customary," and noted that even after the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism discovered this during an audit in 2016, it was not disclosed to the public. The media conveyed, "Prostitution is illegal in South Korea. Furthermore, international soccer regulations strictly prohibit financial support for referees."

German media attention then turned to the recent controversy surrounding the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. The media reported that police conducted a search and seizure at the association on charges of improper appointment of former Coach Hong. There are allegations that the association ignored normal procedures and gave special treatment to former Coach Hong.

The report also detailed the recent World Cup disaster involving the South Korean national team and its aftermath. Der Spiegel stated, "Immediately after being eliminated from the group stage, Coach Hong and KFA President Chung Mong-koo resigned together."

It further reported, "During the tournament, President Lee Jae-myung criticized Coach Hong Myung-bo as 'incompetent' and strongly condemned nepotistic appointments within the association."

The article concluded by highlighting the bitter reality that after an early exit from the North America World Cup, death threats were made against Coach Hong, forcing police to strengthen airport security for the returning national team.

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*This content was translated by AI.