A World Cup nation has been forced to issue a statement this week after shocking sexual allegations were made against them following a police raid on their headquarters.

It is alleged that the country involved offered referees sexual services across two huge sporting events more than a decade ago, with the London 2012 Olympics and 2014 World Cup both becoming embroiled in the controversy.

Just last week, the nation had already come into disrepute over the hiring process for their head coach ahead of this summer’s major international tournament, with investigations subsequently launched. But this bombshell new discovery is far more worrying.

World Cup Nation Apologises For Offering Sexual Services To Referees

REUTERS/Carl Recine

The nation’s FA has issued an apology following reports that it had provided ‘sexual services’ to foreign referees. Their main broadcaster, JTBC, reported earlier this week that the Korea Football Association (KFA) had offered the services to officials that were in the country for international matches.

Referees were offered such services as early as 2011, with offences being reported until 2015. In a statement, the KFA profusely apologised for the details of the report – as per TalkSPORT, they wrote:

The KFA added in its statement: “The association makes clear that inappropriate conduct of this kind, or the use of corporate cards for such purposes, is absolutely not currently taking place.”

The news report, published on Thursday, revealed how a sports ministry investigation back in 2016 found the KFA had provided inappropriate entertainment to foreign referees. It claimed that it happened on seven separate occasions between March 2011 and March 2012. The services included trips to massage parlours with the fees inclusive of the costs of sexual services.

Explosive Report Comes Amid Separate Investigation into Head Coach

Amanda Perobelli via Reuters

The damning report comes at a bad time for South Korea, who – after bowing out of the World Cup at the group-stages – have also come under legal issues with their hiring process of now-resigned head coach Hong Myung-bo.

An investigation into the process is ongoing, with Seoul police having raided the KFA’s offices for more information. Ex-KFA technical director Lee Lim-saeng is accused of offering Hong the job at a bakery near the coach’s home.

South Korea’s sports ministry said in 2024 that Lee’s meeting with Hong was not a formal interview and that the KFA had breached its own hiring rules.

However, the ministry found no evidence of foul play. “When I received the offer, I thought they had all taken the proper steps,” Hong said at the parliamentary hearing. “People may think things were not so transparent, but I never once asked for any special treatment.”

Arsenal have made contact with Bradley Barcola’s camp over hijacking Liverpool’s move to sign him this summer.

The Gunners have had a big summer so far with the arrivals of Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis, and Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes bolstering their title-winning squad, but Mikel Arteta is still keen to add more firepower to his side before the transfer window slams shut on September 1st.

The club had made Real Madrid sensation Vinicius Jr their top target, and he was open to a move to the Emirates Stadium, before he agreed a long-term contract extension at the Bernabeu. That has seen the club return to the transfer market to look for options to bolster their left wing in particular, and Barcola’s name has once again come up.

REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Barcola has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer, with GIVEMESPORT sources understanding that formal talks have begun between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain for the France international.

The 24-year-old, who has been described as a ‘superstar’, has asked to leave the back-to-back European champions as he looks to play more regularly, having often found himself behind Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue in the pecking order in Paris.

Arsenal have had a long-standing interest in the former Lyon forward, and TEAMtalk now report that the Premier League champions have made fresh contact with the player’s camp to find out the lay of the land.

PSG have put a €150m (£130m) valuation on Barcola after seeing Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson move clubs for £117m and £116m respectively in this window, but Liverpool are reluctant to pay that much.

Arsenal also don’t want to go that high, but it’s reported that they would be willing to pay a significant sum to bring in the right player for their attack. As things stand, Andoni Iraola’s side remain in pole position for a deal to be done, but Arsenal have now entered the race to ensure they don’t have a clear run at the attacker.

GIVEMESPORT sources also understand that reports that Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle with PSG are false.

Thierry Henry Loves Barcola

Reuters/Sam Navarro

Barcola emerged as one of France’s brightest stars during the 2026 World Cup, as he helped the team reach a third consecutive semi-final and was key to Didier Deschamps’ side.

But previously he has played for the Under-21’s and Olympic squad, and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was his coach, singing his praises.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 08/08/2026.

Real Madrid supporters have cast their verdict on summer signing Bernardo Silva following his debut against Ferencvaros.

Silva joined the Spanish giants this summer following nine successful years at Manchester City, where he cemented his status as one of the Premier League side’s greatest ever players.

The 31-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most technically-gifted attacking footballers on the planet, entered the fray as a second-half substitute and helped Real Madrid secure a 2-1 win in Budapest.

Goals either side of half-time from youngsters Mario Rivas and Carlos Espi sealed the win for Jose Mourinho’s side.

Although Mourinho is a huge fan of his compatriot, Silva’s physical condition on his return to training following the 2026 World Cup hasn’t impressed the revered Portuguese coach.

Speaking after the Ferencvaros game, Mourinho told reporters, per GOAL: “He is very important, but the poor guy is one of those players who benefits mentally from not doing anything during vacation, and he arrived for pre-season at a fairly low physical level. He has to improve. But he is an incredible player.”

Mourinho added: “During the game, I realised he was lacking a little physical strength, so I moved him forward to the No. 10 position. He can play there too. He can play in three or four positions.”

Real Madrid Fans React to Bernardo Silva’s Debut

REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

Although Mourinho was critical of Silva’s physical condition, the former Man City star still managed to impress Real Madrid supporters during his 45-minute cameo.

The Portugal international looked typically assured in possession and pleased fans with his ability to carry the ball and play forward passes. Watch his highlights below:

One Madridista wrote on X (Twitter): “Finally, a midfielder who doesn’t treat the ball like it’s a bomb.”

Another commented: “It’s the number 8 that was needed. He gives balance to the team. He’s a versatile player.” A third Real Madrid fan said:

While a fourth wrote: “It’s impossible that this player isn’t a starter over [Aurelien] Tchouameni or [Federico] Valverde.”

A fifth said: “The great thing about him is his passes that break the lines and forward passes,” while a sixth added: “Wow, we finally got the exact type of profile we have been missing in our midfield over the last two seasons in Bernardo.”

Managing Madrid handed Silva a 7/10 rating, commenting: “Mourinho was critical of his fitness levels after the game, but Silva worked very hard off the ball, and it was refreshing to see his composure in possession.”

Silva Pleased to Make Real Madrid Debut After ‘Tough’ First Week

REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

Speaking after his first appearance for Los Blancos, Silva told Real Madrid TV: “I am very happy. This match is very important to prepare for the season and personally, I am very happy to have debuted with Real Madrid.

“It’s only the first week, but I’m very happy. There are still many things to improve, but the most important thing is to gain rhythm to start the season well, and that’s what we are doing.”

Asked to describe his first week in pre-season training at Real Madrid, Silva added: “Tough, but very happy to have started. I’m trying to get to know my teammates because it’s very important to understand the characteristics of each one to know what they like during matches and training sessions.

“I will be focusing on that over the next few weeks, preparing as much as possible to start the season well.”