"Report Match-Fixing, Unfair Refereeing Decisions, and Bribes": Korea Football Association Launches Reporting Period for 'Acts Undermining Fairness' — Deadline: 31st

*This content was translated by AI.

The KFA announced on the 21st that it will run a one-month "Concentrated Reporting Period for Acts Undermining the Fairness of Soccer Matches" until the end of next month.

Reportable offenses include: ▲solicitation, request, or conspiracy to fix matches; ▲interference with referee decisions, improper influence, or requests for special treatment; ▲provision of money, gifts, or entertainment and bribery; ▲concealment or tacit approval of facts related to undermining fairness, and obstruction of reporting.

Reports can be submitted via the 'Complaint Center' on the KFA website or through a specially created email address (fairplayreport@kfa.or.kr). The identity of the reporter and the content of the report will be kept confidential.

The KFA is operating this reporting period to directly receive reports of various cases, including recent allegations of misconduct and match-fixing involving referees, investigate the facts, and respond strictly.

Yong Lee-soo, Acting President of the KFA, stated, "Referee fairness is the top priority in safeguarding the value of soccer and the foundation of sportsmanship. We will strive to root out all misconduct to ensure that the efforts of players, referees, and officials who practice fair play on the field are not undermined."

Kim Yoon-ju, KFA Compliance Officer and Yoon Ri-wi (Director), said, "We hope reporters will come forward through the Association, which is the only administrative body authorized to decide disciplinary actions against misconduct and impose substantive penalties."

Meanwhile, separate from the reporting period operation, the KFA will launch a campaign to inform soccer fans and soccer officials about the risks of misconduct and promote a clean soccer culture.

This week, an online "Referee Fairness Enhancement and Misconduct Prevention Education" program, in collaboration with the Sports Ethics Center, will be conducted for approximately 220 referees across all adult leagues (K League 1 and 2 professional leagues, K3 and K4 semi-professional leagues, WK League women's amateur soccer referees, and referee evaluators).

Meanwhile, the Korea Professional Soccer Referees Association is also working to establish a "voluntary reporting and internal whistleblowing system" to strengthen fairness and transparency and restore trust among the public and soccer fans.

The Referees Association pledged reform, stating, "We will strive to enhance the accuracy and professionalism of decisions and will approach our duties with respect for all members of the soccer community, including players and coaches, both inside and outside the stadium."

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*This content was translated by AI.