The Australian federal government has decided to move an upcoming Under-19 match against North Korea to a neutral, offshore venue, citing opposition to the nation's nuclear program.
According to SBS' Rachida Yosufzai, the match was an Asian Football Confederation qualifier, set to take place on November 8 in Shepparton, Victoria. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed the North Korean team will not travel to Australia.
"The government has decided to not allow the North Korean U19 soccer team to enter Australia for the Asian Football Confederation U19 Championship Qualifiers,” Bishop told SBS World News.
"Hosting the team would be contrary to the government's strong opposition to North Korea's illegal nuclear and missile development programs.