FIFA investigates political South Korea flag shown at Olympics bronze medal match vs Japan

LONDON — FIFA is reviewing evidence that a South Korea player displayed a flag with a political message after the team beat Japan in the Olympic men's football bronze-medal match.

South Korea's players celebrate after winning their men's soccer bronze medal match against Japan, in Cardiff, Wales, at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 10, 2012. South Korea won 2-0. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

South Korea won 2-0 on Friday, hours after state president Lee Myung-bak visited islets which are disputed territory between the two countries.

The presidential visit prompted Japan to recall its ambassador from Seoul.

The match in Cardiff, Wales, was seen as potentially raising diplomatic tensions, and a South Korea flag with a slogan supporting sovereignty of the islands was reportedly displayed on the field.

FIFA says it was "made aware of this incident," and its disciplinary panel chairman will study pictures from the stadium.

FIFA statutes prohibit political statements at matches.

(Story distributed by The Associated Press)

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