World football's governing body, FIFA, has been called upon to investigate a bizarre and aggressive incident where North Korean youth players punched the hands of their Japanese opponents instead of participating in the traditional pre-match handshake.
A Bizarre and Aggressive Pre-Match Ritual
The shocking event unfolded before the Under-17 World Cup last-sixteen tie between North Korea and Japan at the Aspire Zone in Qatar on Tuesday. As the Japanese team moved along the line for the customary greeting, expecting handshakes or high-fives, they were met with a series of forceful punches from several North Korean players.
Viral footage of the encounter shows the Japanese squad initially approaching with hands raised, only for the scene to turn ugly as they progressed down the line. The match officials did not sanction any players for the pre-match conduct, which has since sparked outrage.
Japanese FA Lodges Official Plea with FIFA
In response to the unsporting behaviour, the Japanese Football Association has formally asked FIFA to intervene. A spokesperson for the association confirmed the move, telling the Chunichi newspaper, "We would like to ask FIFA for a decision."
Despite the hostile start, Japan demonstrated remarkable composure to win the match and progress to the quarter-finals. Jelani McGhee opened the scoring for Japan in the fourth minute, before Ri Hyok Gwang equalised for North Korea in the second half. The game was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, which Japan won 5-4.
Tournament Outcome and Historical Context
Japan's tournament journey, however, ended in the next round on Friday, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Austria. Austria will now face Italy on Monday for a place in the final, while Portugal and Brazil contest the other semi-final. The U17 World Cup final is scheduled for Thursday, November 27 at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
This incident comes as the senior North Korean national team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America, finishing bottom of their qualification group. North Korea's last World Cup appearance was in 2010, and their only other qualification was in 1966, a tournament famously won by England.
