FIFA Dismisses Allegations Against North Korean Soccer Team
Players Accused of Deliberately Losing World Cup Match
Claims Debunked by Soccer's Governing Body
FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, has dismissed allegations that North Korea's coach and players deliberately lost their match against Portugal at the 2010 World Cup.
The match was broadcast live in North Korea, and some observers claimed that the players appeared to be intentionally playing poorly.
However, FIFA has investigated the allegations and found no evidence to support them.
In a statement, FIFA said: "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has carefully reviewed the evidence presented in this case and has concluded that there is no basis for the allegations that the North Korean team deliberately lost the match against Portugal."
The committee added that it had "interviewed all the players and officials involved in the match and has found no evidence of wrongdoing on their part."
The dismissal of the allegations is a victory for North Korea's soccer team, which has been subjected to intense scrutiny in recent years.
The team, which is known as the "Chollima," is one of the most isolated in the world and has rarely played against international competition.
Their appearance at the 2010 World Cup was their first in 44 years, and they were the lowest-ranked team in the tournament.
Despite their lack of experience, the Chollima surprised many observers by winning their first match against Brazil and qualifying for the knockout round.
Their run in the tournament ended with a 0-4 defeat to Portugal, but they left a lasting impression on the fans.
The dismissal of the allegations against the team will allow them to focus on their future without the burden of suspicion.
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