The Korea Football Association building in Jongno District, central Seoul, on June 29NEWS1
Police are considering investigating allegations that the Korea Football Association (KFA) provided sexual entertainment to referees 15 years ago, but the statute of limitations is expected to be a key hurdle for any potential probe.
“We have not yet launched an investigation [into the allegations],” a Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official said at a regular briefing on Monday.
The official added that if they do pursue a probe, they will “need to review requirements for the prosecution and other matters.”
The remarks indicate that police must first examine basic requirements, such as the statute of limitations, to determine whether an investigation is legally possible.
The KFA was recently accused of providing sexual entertainment to around 10 foreign referees and match officials during seven matches in 2011 and 2012, including three World Cup and Olympic qualifying matches and four friendlies.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reportedly confirmed the matter through an audit in 2016.
As the official noted, police would first need to determine what charges, if any, could apply and whether the relevant statutes of limitations have expired before even launching an investigation.
Possible charges in connection with the case include occupational breach of trust and violations of the Act on the Punishment of Arrangement of Commercial Sex Acts. Under current law, however, generally only serious crimes are granted statutes of limitations exceeding 15 years.
Even if the alleged conduct constitutes a criminal offense, pursuing criminal punishment could be difficult if the statute of limitations has expired.
Then-Korean national football team manager Hong Myung-bo speaks about his intent to resign during a press conference in Mexico on June 28.NEWS1
Police are currently focusing their investigative efforts on claims that former national football team manager Hong Myung-bo was appointed to the position illegally.
In particular, investigators are examining whether there are problems with the KFA’s internal decision-making process involving its National Teams Committee and board of directors.
A Seoul Metropolitan Agency official described evidence recently obtained through search and seizure as “significant.”
Police have questioned a series of football officials who served on the National Teams Committee at the time of Hong’s appointment. They have also questioned those named in complaints, including former head coach Hong and former KFA technical director Lee Lim-saeng.
Police conducted extensive searches and seizures at the KFA’s office on Thursday and reportedly secured the mobile phone of former KFA President Chung Mong-gyu.
Investigators are also expected to look into allegations that Chung replaced his phone during the investigation.
“We will conduct a thorough investigation, including into that issue,” a police official said.
BY JEONG JAE-HONG [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
