No clash for Singapore-Japan match

SINGAPORE — World governing body FIFA, and the Asian and Japanese football authorities have agreed to Singapore’s request to a switch of venues in their upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifying fixture against Japan.

The Lions were originally scheduled to host the first leg on June 16 and travel for the return tie in Tokyo on Nov 12.

The match is expected to be a big draw but as the June fixture clashes with the SEA Games closing ceremony at the National Stadium, Japan, with the approval of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation, agreed to host it instead.

Singapore will now host the return leg in November.

“We look forward to hosting Japan on Nov 12. It will be a major treat for all Singapore and Japan fans, and we are confident it will draw a strong crowd,” said FAS President Zainudin Nordin in a statement last night.

The World Cup fixtures will also serve as qualifiers for the 2019 Asian Cup Finals.

Singapore will kick off their campaign for both tournaments against Cambodia on June 11 before travelling to Tokyo five days later.

Forty Asian countries, including newly-crowned Asian champions Australia, will contest the qualifiers. Eight group winners and the four best runners-up will advance to the next stage of World Cup qualifying and earn a spot in the Asian Cup.

The remaining teams will go into another phase of Asian Cup qualifiers. SHANJAYAN MUNIAPPAN