North Korea against South Korean anthem in World Cup qualifier

According to the South Korean Football Association (KFA), North Korean officials have made their feelings clear on the issue ahead of the Asian Group 3 match in the North Korean capital, even though the demand contravenes FIFA regulations.

  "We will hold to the FIFA regulations," said KFA spokeswoman Ji Yung Mi Thursday in Seoul, adding that it remained unclear whether the dispute would put the fixture in danger.

 In case of emergency, FIFA could intervene as a mediator, she said.

 North Korea's disquiet about the anthem and flag emerged during talks with KFA vice-president Cho Joong Yon last week in the border city of Kaesong.

 The Communist country said that the South Korean anthem had never been played on North Korean soil and called for a neutral flag and the traditional song Arirang to be used instead.

 A solution could be found next week in the Chinese city of Chongqing as the two Koreas will play each other there in the East Asian championship, which takes place February 17-24.

DPA