SEOUL, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Korea Football Association (KFA) apologized Saturday over allegations that it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees and match officials before and after international matches held in South Korea in 2011 and 2012.
The apology came amid a series of controversies surrounding the KFA following South Korea's early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Local media recently reported that the association had arranged such entertainment for foreign referees and match officials during several World Cup and Olympic qualifiers and friendly matches in 2011 and 2012.
The KFA said it was "deeply sorry" for the disappointment and concern caused by a parliamentary hearing, a police raid on its headquarters and media reports concerning alleged irregularities dating back more than a decade.
The association said there are currently no such improper practices or use of corporate cards, while pledging sweeping reforms to improve transparency and ethical standards and restore public trust.
The KFA has recently faced scrutiny over the appointment of former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo. Police raided its headquarters earlier this week as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the 2024 appointment process.
A parliamentary hearing was also held last month to question former KFA president Chung Mong-gyu and Hong over the national team's management and the association's operations. ■
