The Democratic People's Republic of Korea will sit out the regional qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup to be co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, said a senior sports official on Monday.

Ryu Song Il, secretary general of DPR Korea's Olympic committee, said they have no plans to apply for an entry before the December 7 draw in Tokyo for the continental qualifying tournaments.

Ryu, who is here to attend a general assembly meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia, said that the competitiveness of the national team has been on the decline for a long hiatus from major international competitions.

Of Asia's 44 national football associations, Only DPR Korea, Afghanistan, Yemen and Guam have failed to confirm their entry in the upcoming draw.

Ryu also said that it is unlikely at this stage that DPR Korea will form a joint team with South Korea to play in the World Cup finals.

His comments came after remarks by South Korean soccer chief Chung Mong Joon who, upon returning from his recent visit to DPR Korea, said that his offer to share some of 2002 World Cup matches received a lukewarm reaction. (Xinhua)