South Korean Football Federation Apologizes Over Referee Scandal

SEOUL, South Korea — The Korea Football Association has issued an apology over allegations that foreign referees visiting the country in 2011 and 2012 were offered sexual services, funded through corporate cards. In a statement issued after parliamentary hearings and inspections, the federation said such practices do not occur today and that the use of company cards for that purpose has ended. A 2016 investigation completed by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism found that referees on seven separate visits between 2011 and 2012 were provided with "inappropriate entertainment," with the costs including payments for sexual services. The federation is also facing scrutiny over the appointment of former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo. Police raided the federation's headquarters last Thursday as part of an investigation into how Hong was hired. Hong previously led the national team from 2013 to 2014 and was reappointed this year after a months-long search for a foreign candidate, following a brief meeting. His return drew renewed criticism after the national team's elimination in the World Cup group stage.