On August 7, 2026, Korean media outlet OSEN reported that suspicions have emerged that the Korea Football Association (KFA) provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees in 2011-2012, and the news is spreading shock throughout South Korea.

According to the article, it is alleged that entertainment was provided at establishments offering sexual services to a total of 20 foreign referees and others across 7 matches, from the Korea vs. Honduras match in March 2011 to the London Olympics Asian Qualifiers in March 2012. The expenses were paid with the association's corporate card, and hundreds of thousands of yen in dining and entertainment expenses were allegedly recorded. In response to interviews, a then-official from the association's referee department testified, 'Foreign referees requested (sexual) massages. At the time, it was something like a common practice. We thought that if we did that, they might give favorable rulings to Korea.'

Although the relevant details of this issue were confirmed in an audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea in 2016, it had not been publicly disclosed. This time, it was reported immediately after a police raid was conducted on the Korea Football Association, which has once again caused a major stir.

The article stated, 'Due to poor performance in the North American World Cup (W杯) and issues with the national team coach selection, among other things, criticism against the football association's operational system has been mounting, and this report has further intensified distrust towards the association.'

Regarding this, Korean netizens commented, 'This isn't about sports; it's about crime,' 'I can't believe it was hidden for 15 years,' 'The Football Association should be reformed to the point of dissolution,' 'Entertaining with a corporate card is utterly outrageous,' 'If this was truly a common practice, it's an international disgrace,' and 'The responsibility of all involved parties should be clarified and they should be severely punished,' among other voices.

Additionally, voices were also seen saying, 'The foreign referees who requested this are also strange,' 'Are they making such demands in other countries besides Korea?', 'To prioritize winning and losing in soccer, especially wins and losses induced by bribery, over laws and morals... the world of soccer is insane,' and 'Until this issue is resolved, they should not participate in international competitions,' among other voices. (Translation/Editing: Higuchi)