BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Football Association said Wednesday it has launched an investigation into allegations that three of its officials received "improper hospitality" from the Korea Football Association during a refereeing exchange in South Korea in 2012.

This undated photo shows the logo of the Chinese Football Association. (File photo: Xinhua)

South Korean media have reported that the KFA provided improper hospitality to three CFA officials who traveled to the country for the exchange program in January 2012.

"The CFA attaches great importance to the matter and has launched an investigation into the relevant circumstances," the Chinese governing body said in a statement. "It will promptly make the findings public and respond to public concerns."

The allegations come amid South Korean media reports about a series of controversies involving the KFA, including alleged bribery, misuse of public funds and recruitment irregularities.

According to the reports, a government audit found that KFA officials used corporate credit cards in 2011 and 2012 to pay for services at entertainment venues for foreign referees.

Three CFA officials who visited South Korea as part of the 2012 exchange program were allegedly among those who received such hospitality.

The CFA did not identify the three officials or provide further details about the scope or timetable of its investigation.