Japan's upcoming World Cup qualifier away to Bahrain on June 3 will kick off at 7:30 p.m. local time -- 1:30 a.m. on June 4 in Japan -- the Japan Football Association said Monday.
Soccer's world governing body FIFA has notified the JFA of its decision on the kickoff time for the match in Manama as well as that for the June 8 clash between Japan and North Korea in Bangkok, which is scheduled to begin at 5:35 p.m. (7:35 p.m. Japan time).
According to JFA officials, Malaysia's Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh has been named referee for the Japan-Bahrain match.
For the match between Japan and North Korea, FIFA has selected Singaporean referee Shamsul Maidin.