North Korea cleared over World Cup punishment claims 26/08/2010 |
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Fifa has dismissed allegations that North Korea’s coach and players were punished for losing all three of their games at this year's World Cup.
A report from the US-based Radio Free Asia had claimed the team was publicly shamed after returning from South Africa having conceded 12 goals in the first round.
However, after an investigation, football's governing body said in a statement: "The [North Korean] FA assures Fifa that Mr Kim Jong-hun, the head coach of the national team, and all the other members of the national team are training as usual.
"The association also indicates that there were no sanctions to the coach and that the reports on this matter were baseless. With all of the information at hand, and having checked all of its sources, Fifa has decided to close the matter."
North Korea lost 2-1 to Brazil, before being beaten 7-0 by Portugal and 3-0 by Ivory Coast at the World Cup.
Radio Free Asia and South Korean media claimed Kim and his team were forced on to a stage at the People's Palace of Culture in front of 400 government officials, students and journalists.
Reports said the players were subjected to six hours of criticism for their performance at the World Cup, and that Kim was sent to work on a building site.
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