The Swiss-based football world governing body, Fifa, has launched an enquiry into alleged abuse of North Korean players and coaches after a poor World Cup performance.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter said a letter was sent to the North Korean football federation seeking information about allegations that some of the players and coaches were publically humiliated.

North Korea lost all three matches against Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast at the World Cup in South Africa last month.

Reports said that North Korean officials summoned the national team to a closed-door meeting to criticise it for its performance.

The players were allegedly ordered to reprimand coach Kim Jong Hun.

“We are doing this as a first step and will see how they answer,” said the Valais-born Blatter, who has led Fifa since 1998.

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