Experiencing a public health problem, the Japanese are not received by the North Koreans, who ask for a change of location for the match that would take place in Pyongyang
This Friday, the 22nd, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the postponement of the match between North Korea It is Japanwhich would happen Asian Qualifiers to the 2026 World Cup, following a request from the North Korean federation. Those responsible for the selection asked for the match to be moved to a neutral venue “due to unavoidable circumstances”. The local press indicates that there was a fear on the part of those in charge regarding “contagious diseases”.
“The decision, made in consultation with FIFA and relevant stakeholders, comes after the AFC was informed on 20 March by the North Korean Football Association of the need to move the game to a neutral venue due to to unavoidable circumstances.”, said the official AFC note. The duel was scheduled for Pyongyangthe North Korean capital, also valid for the qualifiers of 2027 Asian Cup. The federation’s request will be forwarded to the FIFAwhich will make the decision on the new date, together with the Asian entity.
The two countries currently do not maintain diplomatic relations and the North Korean federation has claimed to be concerned about contagious diseases, as reported by the news agency “Kyodo News”. Japan, according to “Reauters”, has recorded 474 cases of serious infection caused by a bacteria, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), in recent months. Japanese government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashirefused to comment on the opponents’ decision not to host the match.
Hayashi also made it clear that other countries have been affected by respiratory infections in recent years. “Reuters” cites that waves of infections caused by bacteria from the A streptococcal group also occurred in Europe, North America It is Australia, between the years 2022 and 2023. Infection with bacteria of this type occurs through direct contact with bodily secretions. Therefore, the Ministry of Health appeals to the population to continue washing their hands regularly, in addition to trying to wear masks in crowded places.
North Korea and Japan faced each other last Thursday, 20th, in the third round of Group B of the Asian qualifiers. The Japanese won the confrontation Tokyo, 1-0 The duel next Tuesday, 26th, would be for the fourth round of the group, with Japan leading, with nine points. The Koreans are in third, with three, behind Syria, with four. The top two in each group move on to the third phase.
Source: sportbuzz
I am William Jackson and I have a passion for sports journalism. With over 3 years of experience in the industry, I have worked in a variety of roles to improve the quality and accuracy of sports news coverage. As an author at Athletistic, I specialize in covering football news and providing comprehensive analysis for fans around the world.
