N Korean goalie can't play as striker
North Korea have been told by FIFA that Kim Myong-Won will only be able to play as a goalkeeper in the World Cup and not in his usual role as a striker as it appears to have fallen foul of FIFA regulations.
The rules clearly state that, "Each association will be required to provide FIFA with a final [squad] list of no more than 23 players (three of whom shall be goalkeepers)."
It was seen as an attempt to boost the nation's attacking options as they prepare to face Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal in Group G.
However, due to the FIFA regulations the move has backfired. Unless there is an injury, no changes will be permitted to their final squad, which they submitted before 1st June including the controversy of putting the usual striker as a goalkeeper.
In a statement, world football's governing body said: "The only exception is in the case of a serious injury of a player in the list of 23, who could be replaced up until 24 hours before the first match of the team in the competition.
"The three players listed as goalkeepers can only play as goalkeepers during the FIFA World Cup and cannot play outfield. This will be communicated to the teams in the team arrival meetings and will be enforced on match days."
The statement added: "Kim Myong-Won will not be allowed to play as an outfield player if he has been put on the list as a goalkeeper."
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