'Allegations of Sexual Hospitality' in Japan Football Association's Statement: Japanese Media Say "Investigation Was Insufficient"

*This content was translated by AI.

After the Japan Football Association (JFA) concluded its internal investigation into allegations that its own referees had received sexual hospitality from the Korea Football Association in the past, stating "no evidence was found confirming such hospitality," some Japanese media outlets have criticized the conclusion as premature. They argue that relying solely on statements from those accused of receiving hospitality gives the impression of rushing to close the case without thorough inquiry.

On the 21st, Japanese outlet Sports Nichi Anex reported: "Although the Japan Football Association held a board meeting yesterday and confirmed that no improper hospitality was found in connection with allegations that the Korea Football Association provided sexual hospitality to referees, it is difficult to dispel the impression that concluding the case based only on interviews with the involved referees constitutes an insufficient investigation."

According to local reports, the Japan Football Association, in cooperation with an external law firm, investigated seven Japanese referees who had officiated matches in Korea during the period mentioned in media reports. Six of them were interviewed in person, while one was questioned via written submission to verify the facts.

Subsequently, the Japan Football Association concluded that its direct investigation into those accused of receiving sexual hospitality found "no evidence confirming improper hospitality." Yukawa, former managing director of the JFA, also stated in a local interview: "No evidence was found confirming inducements or improper hospitality aimed at manipulating match results as raised in media reports."

However, given that payment records for sexual hospitality were already confirmed through an audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, some Japanese observers have expressed unease about announcing investigation results based solely on denials from those specifically accused. While it cannot be definitively claimed that sexual hospitality occurred, local criticism centers on the perception that the JFA is attempting to prematurely conclude its investigation with limited inquiry. It was reported that unless new reports emerge, the JFA plans to halt further investigation into those accused and close the matter as is.

Earlier, according to an audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, sexual hospitality was provided to three referees who officiated a March 25, 2011 A-match against Honduras and, two days later, an Olympic representative team evaluation match against China. Additionally, two referees received such hospitality during the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifier against Kuwait the following year. For the Honduras and China matches, referee Sato Ryuji served as assistant referee alongside Tomokazu Tajiri and Shin'ya Iribe. In the subsequent Kuwait match, the officiating team consisted entirely of Japanese officials: main referee Yūichi Nishimura, two assistant referees, and one fourth official.

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*This content was translated by AI.