South Korean Football Association Faces Allegations of Referee Bribery and Misconduct
Summary
South Korea’s football association is facing fresh allegations that it tried to influence foreign referees with special treatment, according to an investigative JTBC report. The controversy comes as police already probe irregularities and nepotism in the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
Key Points
- JTBC reported that a 2016 audit by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism found allegations that the Korea Football Association gave special facilities to foreign referees.
- The report says KFA officials hosted foreign referees seven times between March 2011 and March 2012, including a massage-center visit in Gangnam paid for with the association’s corporate credit card.
- Police are already investigating the KFA over alleged irregularities and nepotism in the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
- The KFA is under renewed scrutiny after South Korea’s exit in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
