Myanmar goalie who gave protest salute chooses to stay in Japan

OSAKA, June 17 Kyodo - A substitute goalkeeper of the Myanmar national team who raised a three-finger salute in protest against the country's military during a qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup in late May told Kyodo News on Wednesday that he has chosen to stay in Japan rather than go home with his teammates. Speaking to reporters through a supporter at Kansai airport in Osaka Prefecture early Thursday, Pyae Lyan Aung, 27, said he refused to return home of his own accord and that he will apply for refugee status.