N. Korea cleared of abusing players
Source: Agencies |
August 26, 2010, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
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.
South Korean media reported the team had been publicly shamed after returning from South Africa for having conceded 12 goals. But FIFA said it was business as usual for North Korea and that no such witch-hunt had taken place.
"The (North Korean) FA assures FIFA that Mr Kim Jong-hun, head coach of the national team, and all the other members of the national team are training as usual," FIFA said. "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 1-2 to Brazil, was humiliated 0-7 by Portugal and beaten 0-3 by Ivory Coast in South Africa.
Radio Free Asia claimed Kim and his team were forced onto a stage at the People's Palace of Culture in front of 400 government officials, students and journalists. Other reports said the players were subjected to six hours of criticism for their performance at the World Cup, their first appearance since 1966.
FIFA added that an election for the president of the North Korea FA was also within its rules. "The (North Korean) FA clarified that the election of the president of the association held on 19 June was held in accordance with the statutes of the association and were not affected by any result of the team at the World Cup," said FIFA.
South Korean media reported the team had been publicly shamed after returning from South Africa for having conceded 12 goals. But FIFA said it was business as usual for North Korea and that no such witch-hunt had taken place.
"The (North Korean) FA assures FIFA that Mr Kim Jong-hun, head coach of the national team, and all the other members of the national team are training as usual," FIFA said. "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 1-2 to Brazil, was humiliated 0-7 by Portugal and beaten 0-3 by Ivory Coast in South Africa.
Radio Free Asia claimed Kim and his team were forced onto a stage at the People's Palace of Culture in front of 400 government officials, students and journalists. Other reports said the players were subjected to six hours of criticism for their performance at the World Cup, their first appearance since 1966.
FIFA added that an election for the president of the North Korea FA was also within its rules. "The (North Korean) FA clarified that the election of the president of the association held on 19 June was held in accordance with the statutes of the association and were not affected by any result of the team at the World Cup," said FIFA.
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