Soccer: All Whites, Japan set for charity match

The All Whites match against Japan on March 29 could become a charity match. Photo / Getty Images

The All Whites clash against Japan this month could be turned into a charity match in an attempt to "rally the nation" in the wake of last week's devastating earthquake and tsunami.

The Japan Football Association (JFA) yesteday cancelled Japan's friendly against Montenegro which was set for March 25 but still plan a match against New Zealand four days later.

JFA chief Junji Ogura told local media that the match would be shifted from Tokyo to Osaka.

"We have decided to hold a charity match at Nagai Stadium on March 29," Ogura told the Kyodo news agency.

If the All Whites decide to cancel their trip to Japan the JFA will still hold a game between the national team and a domestic side, the Kyodo news agency reported.

The All Whites are set to play two friendlies in Asia starting with a clash against China in Wuhan on March 25 which they confirmed will still go ahead.

A decision on whether the second match of the tour against Japan will not be made until later today.

"There's a huge desire to show solidarity with the Japanese people but we need to be able to guarantee the safety of our players and staff, as would any responsible organisation," New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum said.

"We are currently working with the Japanese FA and the appropriate government authorities to confirm whether those guarantees can be provided."

Ogura said it would be fitting to play a match between two countries which have been struck by deadly earthquakes in the past month.

"Details still need to be sorted out but we hope to play New Zealand, which like Japan has also suffered damage from a big earthquake," Ogura said.

"Coach (Alberto) Zaccheroni and the Japan national team players have said they want to do something to help the victims of this disaster."