Society | Sep 10

Japan withdraws from hosting 2021 FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA is searching for a new venue for this year's Club World Cup after Japan confirmed it had withdrawn as hosts of the tournament due to COVID-19.

The Japanese Football Association (JFA) told FIFA today that it was "not in a position" to stage the event, scheduled to run from December 9 to 19.

Kyodo News had reported this week that the JFA was concerned over the risk of rising COVID-19 infections and the potential lack of fans, which would have restricted the organisation's chances of making a profit from holding the competition.

Kyodo, citing unnamed sources, claimed FIFA was considering postponing the tournament - involving the champions of each of the six Confederations plus the winners of the J-League - if the JFA pulled out as hosts.

"FIFA can confirm that it has been informed today by the JFA that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hosting situation in the country, they are no longer in a position to host the FIFA Club World Cup 2021," FIFA said in a statement.

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