Despite the tragedy unfolding in Japan following the recent earthquake and tsunami, the Japanese FA have confirmed that they still intend to play their upcoming friendly matches against Montenegro and New Zealand.
Japan's match against Montenegro was scheduled to be held in Shizuoka, south-west of Tokyo, while the match against New Zealand was scheduled to take place in Tokyo itself.
However the JFA's general secretary, Kozo Tashima, believes that the games will still go ahead, in spite of the disaster: "We will hold it in Shizuoka of course, and I think having the game in Tokyo will really mean something".
Tashima has also emphasised that being able to uphold these fixtures will help to unify the country, and send a strong message to the world.
"The matches are still two weeks away and we need to send a message to the rest of the world".
"The entire Japanese football community needs to help the country get back on its feet again. Not just soccer, but I think the whole sports world in Japan needs to step up for the nation".
We will of course keep you up-to-date with any changes, but whether these matches go ahead or not really isn't the important thing right now, as our thoughts and prayers are with the nation of Japan, and all those affected by this horrific tragedy.
You can find information on how to help those in need in Japan and elsewhere from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Related offers
| Offer | Bonus | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
PaddyPower
|
Bet £20 And Get It Back As Cash If It LosesRated #1 for Existing Customer Bonuses. New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any market at odds of min 2.0 (EVS) and if it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. |
||
Totesport
|
Bet £5 Get £20 in Free Placepot BetsRated #1 for TotePool Betting by our Team New customers online only. Place your first bet on racing pools for a minimum of £5 and win or lose you will receive £20 Placepot Tote Credit redeemable against UK & Irish Placepot bets only. Tote Credit cannot be withdrawn, exchanged, or substituted and expires after 7 days. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the bet-slip. Ten to Follow, virtual and football bets do not qualify. UK & ROI customers only. |
||
Bet365
|
Bet £10 & Get £30 In Free BetsRated #1 Online Football Bookmaker. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. |
||
Betfair
|
Bet £10 On The Sportsbook & Get £30 In Free Bets#1 Rated Betting Exchange Bookmaker. New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. |
||
Bwin
|
£20 FreeBet Backup Bet OfferEuropean Betting Goliath - 30,000 bets daily in an astounding 90+ sports. New UK customers only. To claim, the first bet must be on sporting events other than horse racing, with a minimum of three selections. Each selection must be priced at odds of 2/1 (3.0) or above and the stakes range from a minimum of £10 up to a maximum of £20. Deposits made via Skrill, Entropay, PAYPAL and Neteller do not qualify for this offer. Must be used within 7 days of it being issued. |
4.5
PaddyPower
Bet £20 And Get It Back As Cash If It Loses
Rated #1 for Existing Customer Bonuses.
New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any market at odds of min 2.0 (EVS) and if it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply.
3.5
Totesport
Bet £5 Get £20 in Free Placepot Bets
Rated #1 for TotePool Betting by our Team
New customers online only. Place your first bet on racing pools for a minimum of £5 and win or lose you will receive £20 Placepot Tote Credit redeemable against UK & Irish Placepot bets only. Tote Credit cannot be withdrawn, exchanged, or substituted and expires after 7 days. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the bet-slip. Ten to Follow, virtual and football bets do not qualify. UK & ROI customers only.
5
Bet365
Bet £10 & Get £30 In Free Bets
Rated #1 Online Football Bookmaker.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
5
Betfair
Bet £10 On The Sportsbook & Get £30 In Free Bets
#1 Rated Betting Exchange Bookmaker.
New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply.
3.5
Bwin
£20 FreeBet Backup Bet Offer
European Betting Goliath - 30,000 bets daily in an astounding 90+ sports.
New UK customers only. To claim, the first bet must be on sporting events other than horse racing, with a minimum of three selections. Each selection must be priced at odds of 2/1 (3.0) or above and the stakes range from a minimum of £10 up to a maximum of £20. Deposits made via Skrill, Entropay, PAYPAL and Neteller do not qualify for this offer. Must be used within 7 days of it being issued.