Investigation of Seven Referees
On April 20, 2024, the Japan Football Association (JFA) announced that it had investigated seven Japanese referees implicated in a 2011-12 scandal involving alleged sex-entertainment of foreign referees in South Korea. The investigation was carried out by an external law firm and the findings were reported at a JFA board meeting held in Tokyo.
Methodology and Findings
According to Executive Director Kazuya Yukawa, six of the seven referees were interviewed in person, while the remaining referee provided written responses. All respondents denied any involvement in manipulating match results or providing improper hospitality. No evidence was found that the Korean authorities had requested cooperation from the Japanese referees.
Future Measures
Yukawa emphasized that “education and compliance must be carried out thoroughly.” He stated that no further investigations would be conducted. The JFA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fair play and transparency in domestic and international matches, and will continue to strengthen its monitoring systems.
