Multiple South Korean media outlets have reported that the country’s soccer association provided sexual entertainment for visiting foreign referees who officiated international matches more than a decade ago.
The Korea Football Association has recently been mired in a series of scandals.
Citing a probe by the sports ministry, the reports said sexual services were provided to those who took charge of seven international matches held in the country, including games for the men’s national soccer team, in 2011 and 2012.
South Korea earned five wins with two draws in those seven matches.
Reports say the association used its credit cards to cover the costs.
It was also reported that Japanese referees were among those entertained.
The KFA has been accused of a lack of managerial transparency over issues including the selection process for head coach of the men’s national team, Hong Myung-bo. Hong quit his post after the team’s group-stage exit at the men’s World Cup in June.
The country’s parliament held a hearing into Hong’s selection in July.
South Korean police raided the association on Thursday as they investigate Hong’s appointment.
A statement by the association issued on Saturday apologized for “disappointment and concern caused by various issues.” It stopped short of directly addressing the alleged sexual services, but stated that such inappropriate conduct “is absolutely not currently taking place.”