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/ Dalsune Live

A recorded phone conversation has belatedly come to light revealing that a K League referee assessor responsible for referee assignments demanded match-altering calls from a chief referee and offered a financial bonus.

Goal.com reporter Ban Jin-hyuk appeared on the YouTube channel Dalsune Live on the 14th and released a recording from 2023 in which an assessor overseeing K League referee appointments called the referee assigned to a specific match, demanding calls unfavorable to an opposing side to block a particular club from reaching the playoffs.

In the recording, the individual told the chief referee, "Wrap it up well, and if you do, I'll give you a bonus," adding, "I'll give you a bonus of 2 million won, so finish it cleanly." The speaker went on to state, "We can't let them make the playoffs, can we?" indicating an explicit intent to prevent a specific club's postseason advancement.

The individual also remarked, "Wouldn't it be easier if you book their two center-backs right from the start?" suggesting that issuing early yellow cards to the opposing team's central defenders could influence the tempo and flow of the match.

Reporter Ban explained that the recording captured remarks made by an assessor overseeing K League referee assignments to a match's head referee. Citing remarks such as "We can't let them make the playoffs," Ban interpreted the comments as pressuring the referee to officiate in a way that gives a specific team an advantage in promotion contention.

Regarding phrases like "I'll take care of a bonus for you" and "I'll make sure you get a bonus in the next match," Ban noted they likely referred to compensation through additional match assignments.

The broadcast noted that while the identities of the individuals involved have been partially verified and the original recording is in possession, names and club affiliations were withheld during the show to protect the whistleblower and facilitate further investigation.

Ban pointed out that using an assessor's position of influence over referee assignments to demand specific officiating decisions is a grave issue in itself.

Football commentator Park Moon-sung noted that while the recording dates back to 2023, similar issues continue to recur. He criticized the situation, asking, "Why hasn't even a single thing like this changed?" and adding, "This problem has not been rooted out."

Ban stressed that the matter should not conclude merely as an exposure, calling for institutional investigations and measures to prevent recurrence. He also noted the possibility of a parliamentary inquiry, mentioning that similar details and evidence are understood to have been delivered to lawmakers on the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee.

                                                                                                           Jeong A-reum