A scandalous allegation has emerged in South Korean football, with foreign referees allegedly being provided with sexual services before matches involving the national team.
İdman.Biz reports, citing Bild, that an investigation by JTBC, a South Korean television and media company, found that the Korea Football Association covered the costs of foreign referees’ visits to massage parlours before at least seven national team matches in 2011 and 2012.
According to the investigation, the matches included 2014 World Cup qualifiers, qualifiers for the London 2012 Olympic Games and international friendlies. More than 10 referees are reportedly to have used the services.
The expenses were allegedly paid using corporate cards belonging to the Korea Football Association at massage parlours in Seoul, Changwon and Ulsan. Individual payments reportedly amounted to hundreds of thousands of won.
One former association employee who spoke to JTBC described the practice at the time as “common”.
The Korea Football Association, meanwhile, said the incidents took place around 15 years ago and stressed that its internal control procedures have since been significantly strengthened.
The allegations specifically mention the South Korea vs Kuwait 2014 World Cup qualifier played in February 2012. It is claimed that similar services were arranged before the match, which South Korea won 2–0.
No evidence has been presented to confirm that the alleged services influenced the referees’ decisions.
