NARITA, Japan -- Japan will consult with co-hosts South Korea on how to solve the row between Asia and FIFA over the allocation of places for the 2002 World Cup, Japan's top soccer official said on Monday.

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"My opinion is that the (Japanese Football) Association should consult with South Korea and deal with the issue," said Japan Football Association (JFA) Chairman Shunichiro Okano.

Okano was speaking to reporters after returning from a FIFA congress held in Los Angeles on Friday where Asia's entire delegation, including Japan and South Korea, walked out in protest, demanding greater representation at the 2002 finals.

Okano said there was no chance of Japan boycotting the tournament. He hoped FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) would re-open talks on the issue soon.

Okano said Japan was torn between its responsibility as the co-host of the tournament and as a member of AFC.

Asian countries said they will boycott the 2002 qualifying tournament and go into the World Cup with only two countries -- Japan and South Korea -- unless they are given five places.

Last Tuesday, Europe agreed to a play-off with Asia for the final qualifying place in 2002, giving the Asians a minimum four places in 2002, the same as last year, and a maximum of five.

But AFC general secretary Peter Velappan said this was not enough and that his continent wanted five to start with, without having to rely on a play-off.