With the ratcheting up of tensions by North Korea, Adam Zebrowski of the Charge forum made a great point on the league's WUSA forum. What's gonna happen if they do qualify for China, and then the UN Security Council sanctions their imperialist arses for the bazillion violations they've committed so far in restarting their nuclear program? Does FIFA kick them out of the Cup? Should they? Will they? Paul
I'm not sure if FIFA would really want to get wrapped up in anything that contenious. I don't think instituting a nationwide lockdown is within the powers of the UNSC. It'd be a shame if they did in any case because North Korea is certainly one of the best teams in Asia and, just maybe, a dark horse to win the WWC. I say let them play. First, though, they have to qualify. http://www.footballasia.com/mrel/Display_49769_E.html Right now these teams are locked in to participate in the women's AFC Championship: Uzbekistan, China (who'll qualify anyway as hosts), Chinese Taipei, North Korea (defending champs), Guam, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Re: Re: WWC...and the PRK It wouldn't be unprecedented. EUFA kicked out Yugoslavia from the 1992 (I think it was that year, I may be off) European Championships due to its behavior. Denmark was allowed to take their place and amazingly, won the tournament. First, though, they have to qualify. http://www.footballasia.com/mrel/Display_49769_E.html Right now these teams are locked in to participate in the women's AFC Championship: Uzbekistan, China (who'll qualify anyway as hosts), Chinese Taipei, North Korea (defending champs), Guam, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. [/B][/QUOTE] It is pretty much a foregone conclusion that the DPRK will get one of the automatic spots. They are the best team in Asia right now. BTW, does anyone know where the AFC championship is going to be held?
AFC Women's Championship In Thailand Yes, the AFC Women’s Championship will be held in Thailand from April 19-May 2.
Re: Re: Re: WWC...and the PRK Yes, there was a war going on in Yugoslavia during Euro '92 (hosted by Sweden). I know North Korea's one of the best in the region, but stranger things have happened. I'll pencil them in when they've qualified.
Correction/definition: North Korea is a Stalinist dictatorship, but not imperialist, if one understands what the term means. The United States, on the other hand, is definitely an imperialist super-power of the world at the moment. Also, the amount of human rights violations committed by the United States government and military throughout history far outweigh any violation North Korea has committed. Politics have always played a big part in sports, especially soccer. But it'll be a shame if somehow the N.Korean team won't be allowed to play because of it.