Friday: new developments on wartime sports change.

JAPAN gets jittery: changes schedule for 3rd time.
from Yahoo news group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sffw
Soccer-Football Fans Worldwide (I wrote the words)

For reference, the Japanese team had previously backed
out of the trip 2 weeks ago, but was reassured by the
U.S.Soccer head. They then changed dates to include a
San Diego stop (adding a match to an already scheduled
one the same night). Earlier this week, they said
that they were 100% sure of coming, but once the war
started, they organized a meeting for today, Tokyo
time, to discuss and make a once-and-for-all decision.

In an emergency Friday meeting in Japan, (Thurs. pm
our time), the Japanese Football Association decided
NOT TO TRAVEL TO THE U.S. this weekend as planned.
Today (our time), they notified the San Diego and
Seattle promoters of the JFA's decision to cancel
their participation in the two highly-anticipated
friendly men's soccer matches (vs. Uruguay in San
Diego March 26, and vs. USA in Seattle March 29).
Late today, security and event promoters met at
Qualcomm stadium, and announced that the planned match
next Wednesday at 8 pm (Mexico vs. Paraguay) WILL GO
ON as scheduled, but with increased security.
Tickets will remain the same price, but refunds are
available at point of purchase.
QUALCOMM STADIUM BOX OFFICE WILL OFFER TICKETS ON A
WALK-UP BASIS from Monday, 24 to Wednesday, 26 during
the hours of 10:00 am to 5:30 pm at WINDOW F only.
Ticketmaster will continue to offer tickets through
all of their outlets, by phone, and at Ticketmaster.Com
by Emily Richdale