Japan will no longer host the 2021 Club World Cup due to ongoing problems with the coronavirus.
After hosting the 2020 Olympics, Japan was supposed to organize the international club football tournament, which is usually held in December, but has decided to forgo its right to the event after discussions with FIFA.
The Japan Football Association (JFA) was preparing to hold the competition for the first time in five years, but with coronavirus-related problems still lingering, fears grew that the decision would be profitable.
According to Japan’s Kyodo News Agency, JFA chief executive Kiyotaka Suhara revealed the decision at a virtual press conference following a board meeting on Thursday.
Suhara explained that “we have to make a decision right now” and the news follows JFA president Kozo Tashima saying the federation had to “tap into the savings” due to the absence of fans at national team games throughout. the year.
@FCBayernthe sixth trophy in 9 months.
@TigresOficial becoming the first @Concacaf team to reach the final.
@AlAhly earning their best placement on the world stage since 2006.
The #ClubWC Qatar 2020 was a tournament to remember https://t.co/CIpX6bZ41l pic.twitter.com/7aVTHVqP1x
– FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) February 13, 2021
FIFA has yet to comment or announce an alternative venue or dates for the Club World Cup, but the announcement further exacerbates Japan’s woes after they were forced to cancel a friendly match with England in early 2021.