The Japanese Football Association has formally requested that football's global governing body, FIFA, take action after an alarming incident before a crucial youth tournament match. The complaint centres on footage that appears to show Japanese players being punched by their North Korean opponents during the pre-match handshake ritual.
A Shocking Pre-Match Altercation
The controversy erupted on Tuesday during the last-16 clash of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar. As the two teams lined up for the customary handshake before kick-off, the routine exchange of fist bumps and high fives took a violent turn. Video evidence shows that as the Japanese players moved along the line, several North Korean athletes were seen swinging their arms back and forcefully punching their rivals.
Despite the clear footage of the event, the match officials took no action against the North Korean players at the time. This lack of an immediate sanction prompted the Japanese football authorities to step in. A spokesperson for the Japanese Football Association confirmed to the Japanese outlet Chunichi that they have contacted FIFA directly, sending them the footage and stating, 'We would like to ask FIFA for a decision.'
On-Pitch Drama and Historical Tensions
Despite the hostile start, the match itself was a tightly contested affair. Jelani McGhee scored early for Japan in the sixth minute, but Ri Hyok Gwang equalised for North Korea in the second half. With no further goals, the game went to a penalty shootout, where Japan ultimately triumphed 5-4 to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Japan's journey in the tournament, however, concluded on Friday after a narrow 1-0 defeat by Austria. The pre-match incident adds another layer to the long-standing and fraught relations between Japan and North Korea. Historical grievances, including North Korea's admission to abducting Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s, continue to strain diplomatic ties. Tensions have been further heightened in recent years by North Korean missile tests that have passed through Japanese airspace.
What Happens Next?
The football world now awaits FIFA's response to the official complaint and the submitted evidence. The governing body faces pressure to address the incident and determine if any disciplinary measures are warranted against the North Korean team or its players for their conduct before the match had even begun.
