On August 9, 2026, South Korean media JTBC reported that the Japan Football Association (JFA) has launched an investigation into four Japanese referees who officiated the matches at the time, concerning allegations of sexual hospitality toward foreign referees involving the Korea Football Association.

According to the article, the Japan Football Association is proceeding with an investigation in response to the allegations and plans to make the results public after the investigation is completed.

Regarding this issue, JTBC previously reported that the Korea Football Association is suspected of having engaged in sexual hospitality towards more than 10 foreign referees who officiated matches, including those of the South Korean national team, for approximately one year from March 2011. Although related details of these allegations were confirmed during an audit by the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2016, they had not been publicly disclosed. Among the matches where allegations have arisen, those officiated by Japanese referees were a friendly match against the Honduras national team in March 2011, a friendly match against the China Olympic national team, and a World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in February 2012, totaling three matches.

Following JTBC's report, Japanese media also reported the real names of the Japanese referees who officiated those matches. It was found that among them, there were individuals who are currently still involved in referee-related work at the Japan Football Association, and domestically, calls for factual verification by the association were rising.

The article stated, "With the Japan Football Association launching an investigation on its own, it is attracting attention whether the situation and facts at the time will be revealed."

Regarding this, South Korean internet users commented, "It's a natural response for the Japan Football Association to start an investigation," "I want to commend the Japanese side for saying they will release the results," "Time has passed, and a fair investigation is impossible if only the South Korean side, which provided the hospitality, conducts it. An objective investigation is necessary," and "I hope both Japan and South Korea clarify the facts and work towards preventing recurrence."

In addition, other comments included, "It's surprising that such an incident has been hidden until now," "Were there not also referees other than Japanese and South Korean?", "All involved referees and personnel should be disclosed," "It's strange that hospitality is a custom only in South Korea. Is it not happening worldwide?", "A task force should be established regardless of nationality to conduct a thorough investigation," and "If this is the case, one cannot help but doubt the entire football industry." (Translation/Editing: Higuchi)