FRIDAY'S football friendly between Japan and Chile - in which Swindon Town goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux could have featured - has been cancelled following the powerful earthquake that struck the northern island of Hokkaido in the early hours of the morning.

The Japan Football Association made the announcement on the future of the match this morning following the quake, that struck the central-eastern part of Iburi region in Hokkaido

At least eight people were killed with about 40 missing, according to local reports, and the magnitude 6.7 quake cut power to around three million homes after a thermal power plant was damaged.

The tremor struck 62km (39 miles) south-east of Sapporo - where tomorrow's friendly is due to take place - in the early hours of the morning.

Confirming that both the Japanese and Chilean teams were safe, Tashima Khzo, the JFA president, said: "We send our deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies to those affected by the earthquake that struck the central-eastern part of Iburi region in Hokkaido.

"Due to the effects of the earthquake, Japan Football Association has decided to cancel the Kirin Challenge Cup 2018 match between Samurai Blue (Japan National Team) and Chile National Team, scheduled to be played at Sapporo Dome on 7 September 2018.

"This decision was made upon careful evaluation of the magnitude of damages incurred, including damages to critical infrastructure such as power outages and significant transportation disruptions, as well as to ensure the security of all spectators, including the supporters of the visiting team.''

Chile and Vigouroux are due to travel to face South Korea at Suwon World Cup Stadium on Tuesday, although the airport near Sapporo is currently closed having sustained damage in the quake.