Referees' Council Issues Apology Amid Match-Fixing Suspicions: "We Disappointed Fans Due to Various Issues"

The Korea Professional Football Referees Association (hereinafter referred to as the Association) released a statement of apology and reform today (15th) aimed at restoring trust in professional football referees, stating, "We apologize for disappointing those who love football due to the recent issues raised surrounding professional football referees."

Controversies surrounding referees, including refereeing decisions, have been persistent in professional football.

Earlier today, a recording was released via a YouTube channel run by football commentator Park Moon-sung, in which a referee evaluator is heard asking someone presumed to be a main referee to make biased calls against a specific team in exchange for future match assignments ahead of a past K League match.

In the statement, the Association said, "Fairness and trust are the reason for a referee's existence and their most fundamental duty," listing accuracy and consistency in decisions, restrained attitude and responsible communication, and high ethical standards as the basic principles referees must uphold.

It added, "We will not turn a blind eye to or make excuses for the current criticism and concerns," and stated that it will push for strengthening expertise to enhance the accuracy and consistency of decisions, as well as tightening internal standards regarding acts that undermine fairness and ethics.

The Association added that it will use this incident as an opportunity to re-establish the standards and culture of professional football referees.

However, the Association's statement did not specifically mention what the recent referee-related issues that prompted this apology were.

(Photo courtesy of Korea Professional Football Referees Association, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.