FIFA Requesting Information on DPRK World Cup Team Chastisement

This video clip released by onbao.com shows the North Korean national football team leaving a North Korean restaurant in Beijing on June 28 on their way home after the World Cup in South Africa. (Photo: Chosun Ilbo/Courtesy of onbao.com)

FIFA’s chief has sent a letter to the DPRK requesting information and clarification about whether its World Cup team was subjected to a public criticism session when they returned to the home country.  It was alleged that members of the DPRK’s World Cup team, as well as its coaching staff, were subjected to a public criticism session for their performance in South Africa, by 400 government officials, party cadres, People’s Athletes and students from the country’s sports and physical education universities.

The international football governing body, FIFA, has requested an explanation from North Korea regarding rumors that the national team received punishment and public humiliation after the South Africa World Cup games this year.

North Korea had an early exit at the games this year as it lost all three group games in South Africa, failing to make it to the second round of the Games.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter told reporters in Singapore Wednesday that he demanded clarification on the issue and has also recently sent a letter requesting information on the recent election of a new federation president to North Korea’s football association.