Verband under fire for Schiedsrichtern Sex-Massagen scandal

The South Korean football association (KFA) is accused of paying foreign referees for sexual services, including before the February 2012 World Cup qualifier against Kuwait, a match South Korea won 2‑0. Investigative authorities have placed the Verband under the Visier of the Ermittlungsbehörden.

Reports from JTBC and Yonhap indicate that the alleged payments occurred during Länderspielen between 2011 and 2012. The investigation focuses on the Fußballverband KFA and its alleged use of credit‑card statements to fund the visits.

According to the research, the Besuche involved Massagesalons that offered Sex‑Dienstleistungen, each costing several hundred euros. The Art of the transactions was documented as Besuche and payments for a Massagesalon experience.

A former Verband functionary told the television station that such Gefälligkeiten were common and sometimes even expected by the Schiedsrichter. The statement suggests that the practice was viewed as a normal part of the Dienstleistungs culture.

Auch before the decisive WM‑Qualifikationsspiel versus Kuwait, the KFA allegedly paid two Japanese assistant referees for a visit to a Massagesalon. The Spiel ended 2‑0 for Südkorea, and media reports did not note any questionable calls by the Schiedsrichter crew.

Yonhap reported that the matters were uncovered in 2016 after a review by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, but they were not made public at that time. The Die findings remained hidden until recent coverage.

In South Korea, Massagesalons offering sexual services are widespread, although Sex is illegal. International football statutes prohibit any financial Zuwendungen to referees, reinforcing the seriousness of the allegations.

The Verband now faces intense political pressure, with a raid on KFA premises on Thursday. Additionally, the KFA is accused of bypassing normal procedures in appointing former national coach Hong Myung‑bo, allegedly ignoring the usual Bewerbungsprozess. (Fabian Kretschmer/dpa/dpa-bilder)VorlesenAktuelle Zeit:0:00Gesamtdauer:0:001xJetzt