FIFA Asks South Korea, Japan To Put Aside Politics During U-20 Match

FIFA asked South Korean and Japanese players at the U-20 Women's World Cup "to refrain from taking political action" during their quarterfinal match Thursday, according to YONHAP. The Korea Football Association said that FIFA officials held meetings with both teams and told players on each side "not to incite the crowd with any politically-charged celebration or action." The game, which the Japanese won in Tokyo, came "amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the neighbors over Dokdo, rocky South Korean outcroppings in the East Sea to which Japan has frequently laid claims." FIFA Security Advisor Deborah Doe said that the governing body will also try to prevent fans from displaying "political messages through banners or placards" (YONHAP, 8/30).