New Zealand have withdrawn from their friendly international soccer match against Japan due to be played this month.
The New Zealand under-17 team scheduled to play in the Sanix Cup in Fukuoka has also been withdrawn and re-routed to Doha, Qatar, to continue their preparations for the under-17 World Cup.
New Zealand
Football (NZF) said last night the decisions were reached after a lengthy consultation process with government agencies, the Professional Footballers Association, team management and staff.
Japan Football Association (JFA) had proposed moving the match venue to Osaka from Tokyo and assured NZF the city was free from any risk arising from the disaster.
NZF reviewed information from the JFA and the New Zealand embassy but raised concerns about the timing of the match, so close to the tragedies that Japan has suffered, and the possible health and safety risk to players, staff and management.
"This has been a tough decision to make, but with the match just two weeks away and media reports reflecting such great uncertainty surrounding the nuclear situation in Japan, we believe it is prudent to err on the side of caution," said NZF chairman Frank van Hattum.
"At this time emotions are running extremely high in New Zealand, and sadly the decision to proceed with a football match in this context was not feasible.
"We are extremely grateful for the understanding of the Japan Football Association in the process of taking this decision.
"Our hearts continue to be with the people of Japan and everybody affected by the earthquake as they focus on this period of recovery.
"New Zealand Football will work as hard as possible with the Japan Football Association to examine the possibility of rescheduling the fixture for a future date."
The All Whites' match with China next Friday is confirmed, with a squad announcement to be made today before the team leaves for Wuhan on Tuesday.
