South Korea Players Face Punishment For World Cup Exit

Son Heung-min and his South Korea teammates could be drafted into the military as punishment for not reaching the knockout stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, according to reports emanating from the country.

South Korea laws state that men aged between 18 and 35 must serve two years of national service.

They could however be exempted from service should South Korea win the Asian Games later this summer.

The 2002 World Cup team, which reached the semi-finals, was given a pass on services as have other sporting talents from the Olympics and baseball teams.

But this team’s failure to progress from Group F has left some fans fearing the players will be penalised.

“If they are punished by being forced to do this (national service). It will hurt the performance of the team in the future.”Kim Chul-Seung, a South Korean fan told USA today.

South Korea had a shock victory over holders Germany in their final game of the tournament but it wasn’t enough to take them through to the knockouts.

They were beaten by Sweden in their opening game and also lost to Mexico in their second group game.