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Even before a ball has been kicked, politics and years of intense rivalry between the two Koreas have threatened to make the upcoming World Cup qualifier turn ugly. North and South Korea have been squabbling over the usage of national anthems and flags for the match.
"North Korea wants us to use a joint Korean flag and anthem, instead of allowing us to use our own," said You Young-cheul, a spokesman for the Korean Football Association (KFA).
FIFA rules stipulate that participating countries must use their own flags and national anthems during international games. Yet it has proved difficult for the two Koreas, as each of their respective governments insist they are the legitimate ruler over the other half of the peninsula.
North and South Korea have competed separately in sports. However, they have marched together at Olympic Games and other events, using a joint flag which has a graphic of the entire peninsula in blue against a white background.
In the meantime, the football associations of the two countries are attempting to find a resolution. But there is a possibility that FIFA may step in to resolve the problem.
North and South Korea are drawn together in Group C together with Jordan and Turkmenistan. South Korea will face North Korea in their second qualifying match in Pyongyang on March 26.
South Korea thrashed Turkmenistan 4-0 in their opening qualifier while North Korea defeated Jordan 1-0.



source:goal.com