World football's governing body contacted the Football Association of Thailand last Wednesday and "asked whether Thailand would be able to host the match between North Korea and Japan", association secretary general Worawi Makudi told AFP.

"After consulting with the association president and executives we replied to FIFA that we are willing to host that match, and as of now we are waiting for more details and information from FIFA," Worawi said.

North Korea were originally scheduled to face Japan in Pyongyang on June 8 although their hopes of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time in 40 years have all but faded after losing their first three matches.

FIFA's disciplinary committee ruled a week ago that the Japan-North Korea match be played on neutral ground and without spectators. The committee also fined the impoverished Stalinist state 16,800 dollars.

North Korean players jostled the referee and fans threw chairs, bottles and other objects onto the pitch when their team lost to Iran 2-0 at home on March 30. FIFA also cited trouble at North Korea's match against Bahrain on March 25.

On Friday North Korea's media called on FIFA to reverse its decision to move the qualifier to a third country.

The North Korean sports daily Cheyuk Sinmun said FIFA's decision was "unreasonable" and probably influenced by pressure from Japan, Asian champions and political enemies of North Korea.

FIFA was expected to contact Thailand next week for final details on the June 8 match, Worawi said.