Weekend football matches in Japan's J League have been cancelled because of the devastating earthquake that hit north of Tokyo, killing many and triggering a tsunami. A total of 19 matches in the J.League, whose 2011 season only began last weekend, and the second division were postponed the league said in a short statement after the biggest earthquake to hit Japan in 140 years struck the northeast coast.

Four J.League teams are also scheduled to take part in the Asian Champions League on Tuesday and Wednesday.