FIFA: NKorea striker can only be used as keeper at World Cup because of squad list

FIFA: NKorea striker can only be keeper

JOHANNESBURG — A striker for North Korea’s national team can’t be used as a field player at the World Cup because he was listed as a goalkeeper on the official 23-man squad, FIFA said Thursday.

Kim Myong Won, a forward for club team Amrokgang, was listed as a goalkeeper in the final squad submitted to FIFA by North Korea coach Kim Jong Hun. The deadline for the 23-man rosters was Tuesday.

“The three players listed as goalkeepers can only play as goalkeepers during the FIFA World Cup and cannot play outfield,” FIFA said. “Kim Myong Won will not be allowed to play as an outfield player if he has been put on the list as a goalkeeper.”

All 32 teams competing at the World Cup were required to submit a 30-man squad to FIFA by May 11. From those squads, the teams then had to trim to 23 by June 1, with exceptions only for injuries.

North Korea, however, submitted only a 23-man squad by May 11, and sent in the same list for Tuesday’s deadline.

The North Korean team arrived in Johannesburg on Wednesday and apparently canceled a training session scheduled for Thursday. No one with the team was immediately available for comment.

In North Korea, Kim is known as a powerful striker, and his ability to sprint earned him the nickname “The Chariot.”

At the World Cup, North Korea will face Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast in Group G. Before that, the team has a friendly against Nigeria on Sunday.

The last time the North Koreans qualified for the World Cup was 1966, when they reached the quarterfinals, but then lost 5-3 to Portugal despite leading 3-0.

Associated Press writer Jean H. Lee in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.