Japan have been awarded a 3-0 forfeit win after North Korea known as off a 2026 World Cup qualifier as a consequence of be held in Pyongyang earlier in March, says Japan’s Soccer Affiliation.
North Korea requested the match be held at a impartial venue as a consequence of worries over infectious illnesses in Japan.
The JFA stated it had been knowledgeable by Fifa’s disciplinary committee that the match had been forfeited.
The win means Japan undergo to the third spherical of World Cup qualifiers.
“Though the gamers misplaced an essential alternative to play, I see this as a constructive step ahead,” Japan supervisor Hajime Moriyasu stated.
“Naturally, we is not going to be glad with this end result, however will proceed to construct up our power for the nationwide crew actions in June, the ultimate qualifying spherical, and the World Cup.”
Japanese well being authorities reported a big rise in strep throat infections in mid-March, with instances being identified at quadruple the tempo of latest years.
Fifa beforehand stated the match – which ought to have taken place on Tuesday, 26 March – couldn’t be rescheduled.
Japan beat North Korea 1-0 in Tokyo on 21 March.
