N. Korea to host Malaysia in soccer after diplomatic dispute

By Song Su-hyun

Published : May 8, 2017 - 21:45

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- North Korea has finally been approved to host a 2019 Asian Cup qualifying match against Malaysia following political tensions between the countries.

The Asian Football Confederation says the game can go ahead in Pyongyang on June 8 after the Malaysian soccer federation confirmed it was not subject to "government travel restrictions.''

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves during a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea, to celebrate the 105th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung, the country’s late founder and grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong-un, on April 15, 2017. (AP)

Diplomatic tensions escalated amid investigations into the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's estranged half-brother in Kuala Lumpur. Both countries imposed travel bans on the other's citizens.

The original March 28 qualifier was postponed and a neutral venue sought.

The game opens both teams' program in a four-nation Asian Cup qualifying group that also includes Lebanon and Hong Kong.

N. Korea to host Malaysia in soccer after diplomatic dispute

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