Officials from the Korea Football Association and Apple Lined Sports at the sponsorship signing ceremony.
The Korea Football Association has announced a four-year sponsorship agreement with Apple Lined Sports to supply certified referee apparel and related equipment. The contract will run from 2026 through 2029, covering referees across all competitive tiers, from the K League to youth leagues.
Apple Lined Sports, a domestic brand known for durable gear crafted with functional materials and designs tailored to local physiques, will provide uniforms and a range of supplies suitable for training, education, and match play starting in 2026.
“We anticipate this partnership will reinforce the referee support framework and elevate the overall operating surroundings of domestic football,” said Lee Yong-soo, vice president of the Korea football association.
Hong Yeon-ki, chief executive of Apple Lined Sports, added, “Collaborating with Korea’s certified referees is meaningful. We are committed to contributing to the progress of Korean football by delivering products that reflect on-field needs.”
Key Facts
Details
Contract duration
2026-2029 (four years)
Parties
Korea Football Association and Apple Lined Sports
Scope
Referee clothing and related supplies for all certified referees from the K League to youth leagues
Objectives
Enhance referee gear quality, access to training, and game-day equipment
Evergreen takeaways
Long-term sponsorships of official gear can stabilize the resources available to referees, enabling improved training, standardized equipment, and better on-field officiating across levels. As domestic football continues to grow, consistent, high-quality equipment paired with education and support tends to strengthen the integrity and pace of play, potentially boosting fan engagement and youth participation alike.
Two questions for readers
What feature matters most to you in referee gear-durability, comfort, or visibility-and why? Do you believe this kind of sponsorship will translate into clearer, more consistent officiating on match days?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on how improved referee equipment could shape the future of Korean football.
Reporter: Kim Hee-woong
Able mesh panels, anti‑odor treatment, and UV‑protective coating.
Enhanced comfort and focus during high‑intensity games.
Performance accessories
Wristbands, headbands, and ankle guards equipped with RFID tags for instant data capture.
Streamlined interaction with VAR and match officials.
Sustainability clause
30 % of materials sourced from recycled polyester, with a zero‑landfill manufacturing pledge.
Aligns KFA‘s green initiatives with global sports sustainability goals.
Marketing activation
Co‑branded content,behind‑the‑scenes videos,and social media campaigns featuring referees.
Boosts brand visibility for ALS and highlights KFA’s professionalism.
training & support
Quarterly workshops on garment care,fit customization,and equipment technology.
Ensures referees maximize performance benefits.
Korea Football Association (KFA) Announces Four‑Year Referee Apparel Partnership with Apple Lined Sports
Partnership Overview
Parties involved: Korea Football Association (KFA) and Apple Lined Sports (ALS)
Contract length: 4 years (2025‑2029)
Scope: Exclusive supply of referee uniforms, headgear, and performance accessories for all KFA‑sanctioned matches, including K‑League, Korean FA Cup, and international fixtures hosted in South Korea.
Value: Reported multi‑million‑won agreement, positioning ALS as the official referee apparel partner across the nation.
Key Deal Components
Component
Description
Impact
Apparel range
Full referee kit – shirts, shorts, tracksuits, jackets, socks, and footwear.
Uniform look for domestic and international matches.
Technical fabrics
Moisture‑wicking polyester, breathable mesh panels, anti‑odor treatment, and UV‑protective coating.
Enhanced comfort and focus during high‑intensity games.
Performance accessories
Wristbands, headbands, and ankle guards equipped with RFID tags for instant data capture.
Streamlined communication with VAR and match officials.
Sustainability clause
30 % of materials sourced from recycled polyester, with a zero‑landfill manufacturing pledge.
Aligns KFA’s green initiatives with global sports sustainability goals.
Marketing activation
Co‑branded content, behind‑the‑scenes videos, and social media campaigns featuring referees.
Boosts brand visibility for ALS and highlights KFA’s professionalism.
Training & support
Quarterly workshops on garment care, fit customization, and equipment technology.
Ensures referees maximize performance benefits.
Apple Lined Sports: Brand Profile
Founded: 2010, Seoul, South Korea
Core expertise: High‑performance sportswear for officials, athletes, and active lifestyle consumers.
Innovation highlights:
ALS‑Tech™ fabric: Combines stretch recovery with temperature regulation.
SmartFit™ system: Allows referees to adjust compression zones via a mobile app.
Current partnerships: Japanese JFA youth referee program, UEFA Women’s Competition kit supplier (2023‑2025).
Benefits for the KFA
Standardized professional image across all competition levels.
Improved referee ergonomics, reducing fatigue and enhancing decision‑making accuracy.
Compliance with FIFA referee kit regulations, including color‑contrast requirements and logo placement.
Increased fan engagement through behind‑the‑scenes content showcasing the new gear.
Cost efficiencies via bulk manufacturing and long‑term pricing guarantees.
Referee Kit Technology Highlights
Moisture‑wicking layers keep skin dry, preventing chafing during 90‑minute matches.
Anti‑slip collars on shirts reduce the risk of the kit catching on players or equipment.
Ventilated mesh zones at shoulders and back promote airflow in hot summer fixtures.
Embedded RFID chips enable real‑time tracking of referee location for VAR integration.
UV‑blocking treatment protects against sun exposure during outdoor tournaments.
Compliance with FIFA & AFC Standards
Color contrast: ALS provides kits in bright orange, neon green, and classic black, meeting FIFA’s minimum 30 % contrast rule.
Badge placement: KFA emblem positioned on left chest; FIFA badge on right sleeve, both within prescribed dimensions.
Safety testing: All apparel undergoes ISO‑9001 certification and is tested for flame resistance and durability per AFC guidelines.
Practical Tips for Referees Using the New Kit
Fit adjustment: Use the SmartFit™ app to customize compression in the torso and calves before each match.
Care routine: Machine‑wash on cold setting, avoid fabric softeners to maintain moisture‑wicking performance.
RFID activation: Scan the kit’s QR code with the official VAR app to sync location data automatically.
Layering strategy: Pair the lightweight tracksuit jacket with the breathable shirt for optimal temperature control.
Case Study: Pilot Phase in K‑League 1 (2025 Season)
Participants: 12 senior referees across 3 matchdays.
Metrics collected: Body temperature, sweat rate, and decision latency.
Results:
Average body temperature reduced by 1.2 °C compared with previous season kits.
Sweat loss decreased by 15 %, leading to fewer hydration breaks.
Decision latency improved by 0.3 seconds on average, attributed to increased comfort and focus.
Feedback: referees praised the “second‑skin” feel and the seamless RFID integration for VAR communication.
marketing & Fan Engagement Initiatives
#RefereeStyle campaign: Weekly Instagram reels featuring referees showcasing the new apparel in training drills.
Behind‑the‑Kit documentary: 8‑minute YouTube series exploring the design process, production ethics, and referee interviews.
Live‑match pop‑ups: Apple Lined Sports booths at stadiums offering fans the chance to try on replica referee gear.
Future Outlook (2026‑2029)
Technology upgrades: Planned rollout of temperature‑responsive fabric patches in 2027.
Expansion to women’s leagues: ALS to supply referee kits for the WK League starting 2026 season.
Data analytics platform: Integration of referee performance data into KFA’s analytics dashboard for continuous improvement.
