North Korea will fight FIFA's order to move a June 8th World Cup qualifier to a neutral venue with no fans.

Sports Nippon of Japan on Monday quoted a North Korean official as saying his soccer federation rejects the punishment and will appeal.

The daily also said South Korea's soccer chief Chung Mong-joon will help convey the North's position to soccer's world governing body and the Asian Football Confederation.

In Seoul Sunday, Chung said the North's appeal could lead to a lighter sanction.

Another Japanese daily, Nikkan Sports, says the head of the Japan Football Association wants Malaysia as the new venue, citing given anti-Japanese protests in China.

Saburo Kawabuchi also warned of the North's possible boycott of the match.

He offered financial assistance to Pyongyang if the game is played in another country.