The Chinese Football Association (CFA) stated that it has found no evidence regarding allegations that its officials were involved in an alleged sexual hospitality incident involving the Korea Football Association (KFA).

Through social media today (August 23), the CFA announced, "Regarding the allegations reported by some media outlets about Chinese Football Association officials being involved in 'inappropriate hospitality' by the Korea Football Association, we promptly formed an investigation team to look into the matter." It added, "As a result of the investigation, there is no evidence to prove that the Korea Football Association provided 'inappropriate hospitality' to Chinese Football Association officials."

The association did not disclose the subjects of the investigation, the investigation methods, or specific details of the findings.

The CFA added, "We will continue to closely monitor the development of the situation," and "If any new facts or clues emerge in the future, we will reopen the investigation."

Previously, on August 19, the CFA mentioned South Korean media reports alleging that the KFA had provided "inappropriate hospitality" to past CFA officials, stating that it would launch its own investigation and announce the results as soon as it concluded.

On August 20, the Japan Football Association also denied involvement, stating, "There were no attempts to manipulate match results, and the facts regarding sexual hospitality have not been confirmed."

Recently, controversy has arisen as audit reports by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism revealed circumstances suggesting that the KFA arranged prostitution for foreign referees and others in charge of national team international matches held domestically in 2011 and 2012.

(Photo: Capture of Chinese Football Association Weibo, Yonhap News)