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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.

Asian media
reported the side had been publicly shamed after returning from South
Africa having conceded 12 goals in the first round.

Soccer’s governing body FIFA insisted it was business as usual for North Korea and that no such witchhunt 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 in a statement.

“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, were humiliated 7-0 by Portugal and easily beaten 3-0 by Ivory Coast at the World Cup.

Radio Free Asia and
South Korean media 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.

Reports said the players were subjected to six hours of criticism
for their performance at the World Cup, their first appearance since
1966.