Coach Kim-Jong Hun decided to name only two regular
keepers in his squad with Kim, who plays for Amrokgang, as the
back-up.
It was seen as an attempt to boost the nation's
attacking options as they prepare to face Brazil, Ivory Coast and
Portugal in Group G.
But the move has backfired spectacularly after FIFA
confirmed that Kim will only be allowed to play in goal — and not
as an outfield player.
Unless there is an injury, no changes will be permitted
to their final squad.
A FIFA statement said: "The squad lists that the teams
had provided to FIFA by June 1, 2010 are final and can no longer be
changed.
"On the final lists must be no more than 23 players,
three of whom shall be goalkeepers.
"The only exception is in the case of a serious injury
of a player in the list of 23, who could be replaced up until 24
hours before the first match of the team in the competition.
"The three players listed as goalkeepers can only play
as goalkeepers during the FIFA World Cup and cannot play
outfield.
"This will be communicated to the teams in the team
arrival meetings and will be enforced on match days."
The statement added: "Kim Myong-Won will not be allowed
to play as an outfield player if he has been put on the list as a
goalkeeper."
