KFA Apologizes Amid Controversies Including Referee Sexual Entertainment Allegations, Vows Reform

Amid the aftermath of a disappointing performance at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, a recent police raid, and a series of past misconduct allegations that have sent the Korea Football Association into a tailspin, the KFA has issued an apology to fans and football stakeholders while promising sweeping reforms.

In a statement titled A Message to Football Fans and Stakeholders, the KFA stated, "We deeply apologize for causing immense disappointment and concern due to the various controversies surrounding the association following the 2026 North and Central America World Cup."

The association stated, "The KFA, which should be bringing joy and ecstasy to fans through fierce efforts and passion toward scoring goals and the fair sportsmanship that blooms in the process, has recently lost its core function and is literally in a disastrous situation."

It lowered its head in apology, adding, "Following a parliamentary hearing, an unprecedented police raid, and reports regarding incidents from more than a decade ago that many internal members were not even properly aware of, we deeply apologize for causing concern over various issues related to the association."


The KFA has been plunged into chaos after facing harsh criticism at a recent parliamentary hearing over administrative disorders, including controversies surrounding the appointment of former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo, followed by a police raid two days ago.

On top of this, reports emerged that "sexual entertainment" was provided to foreign referees and match commissioners during World Cup and Olympic qualifiers and friendly matches held domestically between 2011 and 2012, driving the association's image to rock bottom.

Emphasizing that "such inappropriate behavior or card usage never occurs nowadays," the KFA stated, "We sincerely hope that the valuable achievements and efforts made by national team players wearing the Taegeuk mark will not be misunderstood or lose their meaning due to this incident."

The association pledged, "All members will deeply engrave the omnidirectional external criticism and rebukes in their hearts and use this as an opportunity for thorough reform. For a better future of South Korean football, we will continue intense efforts alongside deep self-reflection, and further elevate the transparency and morality of our organizational culture in line with heightened external standards and expectations."

It added, "We will unceasingly strive to swiftly implement policy tasks such as expanding the presidential electorate, including preparations for the upcoming Asian Games, the second-half A-matches, and the Asian Cup, and be reborn as an organization that receives cheers and praise rather than anger, booing, and criticism from fans through the intrinsic values of football."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.