North Korea have grudgingly accepted FIFA's decision that they must play next month's World Cup qualifier against Japan in Bangkok.

Lee Kang-hong, whose title was given as vice chairman of North Korea's FA, told the Sports Nippon daily Pyongyang had written to FIFA asking to play the game at home or in Beijing, but it arrived too late.

Last month, FIFA pulled the plug on Japan's politically sensitive visit to Pyongyang on June 8 after crowd disturbances following a World Cup qualifier with Iran.

FIFA ordered the game to be played in Bangkok behind closed doors after it said North Korea had not appealed against the ruling in time.

"We're not happy with the FIFA ruling but we accept it," Lee was quoted in an interview.

"We thought that our two nations could increase mutual understanding at a time when bilateral relations are unsettled."

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