North Korea's football team was publicly criticized for six hours for their dismal performance in the 2010 World Cup, and were charged of 'betraying' the Supreme Leader's heir apparent. he team's coach, Kim Jong-hun, was reportedly forced to become a builder and has been expelled from the Workers' Party of Korea.

The entire team was forced onto a stage at the People's Palace of Culture and subjected to criticism from Sports Minister Pak Myong-chol in front of 400 government officials, students and journalists.

The players were subjected to a grand debate on July 2 because they failed in their "ideological struggle" to succeed in South Africa, Radio Free Asia and South Korean media reported.

The coach was punished for "betraying" Kim Jong-un - one of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-il's sons and heir apparent, The Telegraph reports.

The country, in its first World Cup since 1966, lost all three-group games, including a 7-0 defeat to Portugal. (ANI)