The Korea Football Association urgently addresses the controversial referee scandal that has shocked public opinion

A government audit from 2016 in South Korea has suddenly resurfaced, prompting the KFA to issue an apology over allegations that the organization's credit cards were used to pay for sensitive services for international referees.

According to South Korean media, the Korea Football Association (KFA) has officially apologized after allegations involving foreign referees resurfaced. The incident stems from the findings of a government audit conducted in 2016.

The audit report states that between March 2011 and March 2012, the KFA is alleged to have used the organization's credit cards to pay for sexual services for international referees who came to South Korea on assignment. Payments were made at massage parlors and other locations in Seoul and various cities across the country. These allegations are now at the center of the KFA's latest apology.

During the aforementioned period, South Korea hosted a total of seven international matches, including qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 World Cup. Notably, the South Korean national team did not lose any of these matches, recording five wins and two draws.

In response to the renewed controversy, the KFA stated: "The entire association will seriously take into account the widespread criticism from outside and view this as an opportunity to carry out comprehensive reform. We will continue to do our utmost for a better future for South Korean football, while deeply reflecting on our shortcomings."

The KFA also pledged to enhance transparency and ethics within its organizational culture to meet increasingly high standards. The association also said it will quickly carry out tasks related to expanding the election committee for the Asian Games, national team matches in the second half of the year, and preparations for the Asian Cup.

At the end of the statement, the KFA again apologized to fans and stakeholders worldwide: "Once again, we apologize to all football fans and stakeholders worldwide who have loved and supported South Korean football for the disappointment and deep shock caused by this matter."

The KFA affirmed that it will change to regain trust. "In the future, the KFA will continuously strive to become an organization that receives cheers instead of anger, praise instead of criticism, by returning to the fundamental values of football."

The incident once again places the KFA under the requirement to clarify responsibilities and strengthen trust. This apology will be the starting point for the reforms that South Korean football has been waiting for.