The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the June 8 North Korea-Malaysia Asian Cup qualifier in Pyongyang, citing geopolitical tension on the Korean peninsula.

The AFC said in a statement today that the game would now be rescheduled for the next best available Fifa match-day, which was Oct 5.

It said it would closely monitor the safety and security position in the coming months.

"Although the AFC had proposed on May 8, 2017, that the match - which was already postponed from March 28, 2017 - take place in the North Korean capital, recent developments have forced the AFC to reconsider the decision on the grounds of safety and security," it said.

It also said that the AFC would closely monitor the AFC Cup match between Kigwancha SC (North Korea) against Erchim FC (Mongolia) to be played May 31 as well as the AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers - Group G to be hosted in Pyongyang from July 19-23.

"After those matches, the AFC will make a decision of the venue for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Oct 5, 2017," it said.

- Bernama