North Korea-Malaysia Asian Cup qualifier postponed again
KUALA LUMPUR - North Korea’s match against Malaysia in 2019 Asian Cup qualifying has been postponed a second time amid new missile tests by the host nation.
KUALA LUMPUR - North Korea’s match against Malaysia in 2019 Asian Cup qualifying has been postponed a second time amid new missile tests by the host nation.
The Asian Football Confederation says the June 8 game, itself postponed from March 28, could be played on Oct. 5.
Still, the AFC did not commit to playing in Pyongyang. A neutral venue could be ordered.
The Asian soccer body cited security risks caused by “geo-political tension on the Korean Peninsula” for the latest postponement.
"I think we are happy to postpone this game because of the overall situation and we will wait until October to have it settled," Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) General Secretary Hamidin Mohd Amin said.
"If we can get it back to a neutral venue then it's better for both teams, and that's ok. It*s better for both."
The first delay followed rising diplomatic tensions between North Korea and Malaysia during an investigation into the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s estranged half-brother in Kuala Lumpur.
The AFC had initially decided that the June 8 game would be played in Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital
But that prompted the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to lodge an appeal against the decision.
FAM president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim wanted the game to be moved to a neutral venue “for the sake of the players’ safety”.
“I’m very concerned about the safety assurance regarding the accommodation provided and the food,” Tunku Ismail posted on the FAM’s Facebook page last week.
“According to the information I have received we need to bring our own food due to the possibility of sabotage.
“Another big concern is the issue of refereeing because if there are decisions going against the North Koreans, there is the possibility that the safety of match officials will be affected and that will surely put them under pressure.”
The teams are in a four-nation Asian Cup qualifying group that also includes Lebanon and Hong Kong. AGENCIES