http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?...aamerica-japan
Japan pulls out of Copa America for 2nd time
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)—The Argentine football association says Japan has pulled out of July’s Copa America 4 the 2nd time due 2 problems forming a team following March’s earthquake & tsunami.
The AFA, the Copa America host, quoted Japanese football association president Junji Ogura on its website Monday saying “the majority” of European clubs with Japanese players hv refused 2 release them 4 the July 1-24 tournament.
Ogura was quoted as saying it would be difficult 2 call up Japan-based players becos delays caused by the natural disasters had forced changes 2 the domestic football schedule.
Japan pulled out of the tournament 4 the 1st time in April, but reversed its decision 2 weeks later. The JFA has refused 2 confirm the latest withdrawal & says a press conference will be held later Tuesday.
South American confederation spokesman Nestor Benitez told The AP a replacement 4 Japan will be decided shortly.
“I can’t 4ward names of possible candidates 2 take up the vacancy becos tat would start speculation,” Benitez said. “We will wait 4 the final decision, which won’t take long.”
The AFA website says an invitation 2 compete would be sent Monday on behalf of CONMEBOL to Central American nation Costa Rica.
Costa Rica had already requested a place in the competition aft it became clear tat Japan was struggling 2 form a team.
Since 1993, CONMEBOL has invited at least 2 nations 2 join the 10 South American teams tat contest the Copa America. As usual, Mexico was also invited 2 tis year’s tournament.
Other countries tat hv taken part in the past include the US & Canada.
Japan was due 2 play in the tournament’s Group 1 alongside Argentina, Colombia & Bolivia.