The DPRK Women’s Team of Naegohyang Women’s FC flew from South Korea on Sunday after clinching a historic AFC Women’s Champions League title on their maiden trip to the country.
Coach Ri Yu-il led his triumphant squad through Incheon International Airport to their onward journey to Pyongyang, via China, following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat over Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the final, played at Suwon Stadium.
The players remained calm and disciplined during their passage through the airport, with little variation in the order and near-formation of their walk, despite congratulatory comments from pro-DPRK supporters in the departure lounge.
The Naegohyang Women’s FC is the first DPRK women’s football team to visit the South, and the first delegation of DPRK athletes to visit the South for the first time in eight years. The team, which arrived last week, was subject to major interest amid tensions between the North and South.
The prize money on offer to the club and its coach is in the region of 1 million dollars. The money has been held from transferring into North Korea due to the international sanctions the country faces, on account of its nuclear and missile programmes.
The funds have instead been placed on hold, pending future sporting competitions where the money could be put to use in funding North Korea’s participation in future international matches.
