Fifa say allegations of squad mistreatment were false Reports claimed coach was sent to work on building siteFifa has dismissed allegations that North Koreas coach and players were punished for losing all three of their games at this years World Cup.A report from the US-based Radio Free Asia had claimed the side were publicly shamed after returning from South Africa having conceded 12 goals in the first round. However, after an investigation, footballs governing body insisted it was business as usual for North Korea."The [North Korean] FA assures Fifa that Mr Kim Jong-hun, the head coach of the national team, and all the other members of the national team are training as usual," Fifa said in a statement."The association also indicates that there were no sanctions to the coach and that the reports on this matter were baseless. With all of the information at hand, and having checked all of its sources, Fifa has decided to close the matter."North Korea lost 2-1 to Brazil, were humiliated 7-0 by Portugal and easily beaten 3-0 by Ivory Coast at the World Cup.Radio Free Asia and South Korean media claimed Kim and his team were forced on to a stage at the Peoples Palace of Culture in front of 400 government officials, students and journalists.Reports said the players were subjected to six hours of criticism for their performance at the World Cup, their first appearance since 1966, following which Kim was sent to work on a building site.North KoreaFifa guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds