South Korea crisis deepens over sexual favours scandal

South Korea's football association has apologised for "various controversies" including a scandal surrounding alleged payments made for sexual favours for foreign referees.

A report by the nation's ministry of culture, sport and tourism regarding the allegations was compiled in 2016 and made public last week after it was obtained by South Korean media organisation JTBC.

According to JTBC's investigation, the ministry found payments totalling 5.6m won (£2,927) were made using Korea Football Association (KFA) credit cards for "sexual entertainment" at massage parlours for foreign referees visiting the country to officiate matches in the early 2010s.

They include referees who took charge of qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and 2012 Olympic Games in London in which the South Korea national team were participating.

South Korea qualified for both tournaments.

The report concluded that KFA staff reported the expenses under false pretences, claiming the money was used for food and drink or massages.

JTBC said an official at the KFA said "it was common practice back in those days".

In a statement posted to social media, the KFA said: "We offer our deepest apologies for the disappointment and concern caused by the various controversies."

It listed a variety of reasons for the apology, including the team's poor performance at the 2026 World Cup, but also referenced "media reports regarding events from over a decade ago that even many of our own staff members were unaware of".

The statement added: "However, we wish to clearly state that such inappropriate conduct or misuse of corporate cards is absolutely not occurring at the association at present.

"Our association, which ought to bring joy and exhilaration to football fans through the fierce pursuit of goals and the fair sportsmanship that emerges in the process, has recently lost sight of its fundamental purpose and finds itself in a truly dire situation."

Manager Hong Myung-bo and KFA president Chung Mong-gyu both resigned from their posts earlier this summer following ferocious public anger over South Korea's performance at the World Cup, in which they did not make it out of a group featuring Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa.

Last week the KFA's headquarters were raided by police as part of an investigation into an alleged "obstruction of ​business" concerning Hong's appointment as manager.

The concerns relate to Hong's return in 2024, after a previous spell in charge between 2013 and 2014, which allegedly was finalised following a brief meeting after the KFA abandoned a months-long hiring process in which various foreign coaches were interviewed.

According to Korean media reports, the police investigation could be widened to include the allegations of sexual favours, with an official telling a briefing on Monday "we will review it".

There is a statute of limitations of 15 years for many crimes in South Korea.

Reports in Japanese media claim the country's football association (JFA) is investigating claims that some of its referees were involved.

BBC Sport has contacted the KFA and JFA for comment.

The head coach post remains vacant, while on Tuesday Park Ji-sung - the former national team captain and Manchester United midfielder who has been placed in charge of a new football innovation committee by the government - said that presidential elections will take place before the end of the year.

Park recommended the electorate be expanded from around 200 officials, club representatives, coaches and players to around 20,000, including semi-professionals.