North Korea abruptly cancels home soccer game with Japan

Decision denies Pyongyang the opportunity to explore warmer ties with Tokyo

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Japan's Ritsu Doan competes for the ball with North Korea's Yu-Song Kim during a World Cup qualifier at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo on March 21. © Reuters

JOHN DUERDEN, Contributing writer

SEOUL -- Days before hosting its first home international soccer game since the pandemic, North Korea on Friday abruptly canceled a long-awaited clash with Japan.

Tuesday's game has now been moved to a yet unannounced neutral venue, and no date has been given for the fixture. The decision denies Pyongyang a potential opportunity to build on recent signs it is ready to explore a warmer relationship with its long-time adversary.

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