Scandal: Prominent soccer federation paid foreign referees for 'happy ending' massages

Večernji listIndependentCenter4 hr. ago

According to a report by the South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing a 2016 government audit, the South Korean Football Association (KFA) allegedly paid for sexual entertainment services for foreign referees and match coordinators between March 2011 and March 2012. The payments were made using corporate credit cards at massage parlors and other adult establishments in Seoul and other cities hosting matches for the South Korean national team during qualification campaigns for the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Ten referees and coordinators from Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan reportedly used these services. Former KFA officials told TV network JTBC that such practices were common at the time, with some referees specifically requesting these services. Although prostitution is illegal in South Korea, many massage parlors offer sexual services under the guise of 'happy ending' massages. International football federation statutes prohibit any financial compensation for referees. The KFA is currently facing intense political pressure amid an investigation into the appointment process of former head coach Hong Myung-bo, with police搜查其

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information based on a government audit and reports from multiple sources, including Yonhap and JTBC. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content is reported neutrally, focusing on allegations and responses without明显的倾向

Telegram.hrIndependentProgressive4 hr. ago

A major scandal has emerged involving the South Korean Football Association (KFA), which allegedly paid for sexual services to foreign referees during the qualification matches for the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil between March 2011 and March 2012. According to a 2016 report by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the KFA used corporate credit cards to pay for such services at massage parlors and adult entertainment venues in Seoul and other cities hosting South Korea’s national team games. The report identified ten referees and coordinators from Japan, the UAE, Iran, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan who received these services. Former KFA officials told JTBC that this practice was common at the time, with some referees specifically requesting such services. Although prostitution is illegal in South Korea, massage parlors offering 'happy endings' are widespread. International football associations prohibit any form of financial compensation for referees. The KFA is currently under intense political pressure, with authorities raiding its offices as part of an investigation into the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. Police seized alleged

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the scandal as a systemic issue within the KFA, highlighting the involvement of international referees and the potential corruption in the selection process. It emphasizes the legal and ethical violations, suggesting a lack of oversight and accountability. While the article does引用