On September 30, according to Japanese media outlet Shukan Bunshun, South Korean football is embroiled in a "sexual entertainment" scandal involving referees, with a Japanese referee, referred to as "Mr. A," appearing in the report. In response to the allegations, Shukan Bunshun conducted a direct interview with Mr. A. When pressed with persistent questioning, Mr. A initially explicitly denied the allegations, but as the questions intensified, his responses became increasingly evasive, and he repeatedly stated that it was difficult to make absolute denials.

Shukan Bunshun reported that in busy areas of South Korea, establishments referred to as "massage parlors" are often used as cover for venues offering illicit services. The report mentioned that one such establishment, allegedly connected to the investigation, was raided in 2012 on suspicion of prostitution and tax evasion. The establishment later reopened under a new name.

A Japanese individual familiar with the industry in South Korea who has visited such establishments told Shukan Bunshun that even after raids, these massage parlors often reopen under different names after their operators are investigated, with services remaining largely unchanged. He described being taken to such a place for "entertainment" and characterized the interior as "a room specifically set up for sexual relations." He added that such establishments are well-known among Japanese visitors and are popular and relatively affordable options.

Following the scandal's emergence, the Japan Football Association (JFA) launched a fact-finding investigation. JFA President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto told media that they are currently "confirming the facts."

Saburo Kawabuchi, former JFA president who played a key role in Japan-Korea's successful 2002 World Cup bid, also commented on the scandal. He stated that if the allegations are true, such behavior would be "highly negligent and extremely inappropriate." Kawabuchi recalled that during the Japan-Korea World Cup, the Japanese delegation was extremely vigilant about similar issues due to rumors of "honeypot traps" targeting individuals across various sectors in South Korea at that time. As a result, the Japanese delegation would even inspect their hotel rooms before checking in.

Kawabuchi also mentioned that he had heard of referees being bribed with money, but had never heard of "honeypot traps" being used against referees.

Shukan Bunshun then directly interviewed the Japanese referee, Mr. A, who was mentioned in the report and had officiated the related matches.

When asked by the reporter whether he had facilitated decisions favorable to South Korea through any means, Mr. A responded, "To my knowledge, nothing like that occurred. FIFA is investigating all the matches."

When the reporter further asked whether he had received any entertainment from related parties, the report's first section ended, with the interview continuing on the next page.

Mr. A stated, "Wherever I go, it's probably just dinner. I probably rarely interact with association members."

The reporter then asked directly, "Did you ever visit any entertainment venues in South Korea?"

Mr. A answered, "I feel that some of the report's content may not be accurate, but regarding this matter, I will explain it to the appropriate people when the JFA conducts a proper investigation."

The reporter pressed further, "You didn't receive any bribes?"

Mr. A answered with one word: "...No."

When the reporter asked for confirmation, "So you didn't receive any entertainment at all?"

Mr. A initially answered, "Yes."

But then he added, "If you're asking whether there was absolutely nothing, that was a long time ago, and my memory... if I have to say there was absolutely nothing, then that's somewhat..."

Shukan Bunshun noted that Mr. A initially denied the allegations at the beginning of the interview, but as the reporter continued pressing, his answers became increasingly evasive.

During the interview, Mr. A also muttered, "Why now? Is there an election in South Korea? Is there a story behind this?"

The reporter then asked again, "So this audit report shouldn't be completely false?"

In response, Mr. A stated that the JFA might investigate the matter, and there was also another possibility: that the actual expenditures by the Korea Football Association were simply recorded under such names in their books. He stated that this situation also needed to be confirmed during the investigation, emphasizing, "It's not appropriate for me to comment on this based on my own speculation."

The reporter finally asked directly, "Can you state 100% that you 'never went to that venue'?"

Mr. A's response was, "That's difficult..."

Regarding the scandal, Shukan Bunshun subsequently sent inquiries to the Japan Football Association. The JFA responded that external legal counsel is carefully conducting a fact-finding investigation and therefore cannot comment on specific details of the current investigation.

Throughout the report, Shukan Bunshun highlighted that Mr. A initially denied receiving any related entertainment, but when pressed with direct questions such as "Can you confirm 100% that you never visited that venue?", he did not provide a clear affirmative answer, instead stating, "That's difficult."

It should be noted that the related matter is currently under investigation and dispute. Shukan Bunshun's report concerns its interview and the allegations in the related report. The Japan Football Association has launched a fact-finding investigation, and Mr. A himself has stated he will explain the situation to the JFA. At this stage, matters such as related entertainment, expenditures, and whether there was any influence on the referee's decisions remain pending further investigation and confirmation.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

Situs web AF kini hadir! Lihat berita lengkap, komentar, detail pertandingan, dan statistik di komputer Anda. Kunjungi: www.allfootballapp.com