January 22 – North Korea have withdrawn from a friendly tournament in Thailand next month following the humiliation of their early Asian Cup exit in Australia, according to Thai authorities.
The closed North Korean regime has made no public comment but had apparently previously agreed to take part in the February 1-7 King’s Cup along with arch rivals South Korea, Honduras and hosts Thailand.
But three straight Asian Cup defeats against Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and China resulted in a change of plan.
“I can confirm that (only) Honduras and Uzbekistan will play at the King’s Cup,” Thai FA president and FIFA executive committee member Worawi Makudi was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post.
North Korea’s participation in Australia was typified by its trademark secrecy, with few media interviews. The team was forced to make a coaching change last month after Yun Jong Su was banned by the Asian Football Confederation and replaced by Jo Tong Seob for blasting officials when his Under-23 team lost the final of the Asian Games in October against South Korea in the final minute of extra time.
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