In the 1/4 final of the men's football tournament of the Asian Games, Japan defeated North Korea 2-1, and a series of misconduct by North Korean players followed, which caused great controversy. The Japan Football Association has recently submitted a written opinion to the AFC on this matter, requesting severe punishment for the North Korean team. The incident could lead to a prolonged ban on North Korean players from FIFA and AFC, dealing a heavy blow to the East Asian powerhouse.
On the day of the match, North Korean player Kim Yousung asked the Japanese team staff for water at halftime, and after getting the water, he made a gesture to hit people. The referee immediately showed a yellow card, but the North Korean team was extremely dissatisfied with the penalty, and after the game, several players surrounded the referee, and Kim Kyung-seok pushed the referee twice to ask for an explanation. Had North Korean officials not intervened to dissuade them, referees would have been hurt by players.
The Japan Football Association is deeply outraged by the actions of North Korean players. They filed a written complaint with the AFC on the matter immediately after the match, demanding tough disciplinary action against the North Korean team. According to AFC regulations, players who behave aggressively or insult the referee will be banned for at least 4 games or 3 months. The Japan Football Association also made a complaint to FIFA, demanding that the North Korean team be punished in accordance with regulations. According to FIFA regulations, players or teams who behave against sports will be suspended for at least 10 games.
The Japan Football Association's whistleblowing could lead to severe sanctions by AFC and FIFA against the North Korean team. North Korean players involved in the incident are likely to be subject to long-term bans from FIFA and AFC. This is undoubtedly a heavy blow to the North Korean team. After decades of slump, the North Korean men's soccer team has only returned to the Asian and world soccer scene in recent years, gradually regaining strength. At this Asian Games, North Korea also sent a top lineup composed of a number of international players to fight for a good ranking. If the main player is banned, North Korea's efforts to rebuild could be undone.
The incident also raised concerns about the hostile and aggressive behavior shown by North Korean players. Kim Yousung made a fist gesture after asking Japanese staff for water, and then several players besieged the referee to explain the penalty, all signs that North Korean players still have strong political hostility. Sporting events are supposed to transcend politics, but this act undoubtedly brings political attitudes to the market and undermines the spirit of sportsmanship.
North Korea has invested a lot of resources in developing football in recent years, hoping to show its national strength through sports. At this Asian Games, North Korea also led a number of European League players to form a luxurious squad to strive for good results. But the players' misconduct could cost North Korea dearly. North Korean officials and teams have yet to respond to the incident, but they should also be aware of the seriousness of the problem and take steps to avoid a similar incident from happening again, so as not to affect North Korean football's efforts to return to the world stage.
This incident may not only lead to the punishment of the North Korean team, but also rekindle attention to the politicization of sports in North Korea. We expect North Korean players to abide by the sportsmanship and rules and show their strength through fair play. It is also hoped that relevant organizations will fairly ascertain the facts and take appropriate measures to punish misconduct and give North Korean football the opportunity to continue to grow. Returning football to pure competition, without being disturbed by any political factors, is the common expectation of all those who love this sport.