TOKYO (Japan): Japan will not host the FIFA Club World Cup later this year because of virus restrictions that could cap spectator numbers, a report said Wednesday.
The annual football tournament, at which the champions from the six global confederations compete along with the host nation’s top team, was due to be held there in December.
But the Japan Football Association (JFA) has decided to give up its right to host the cup, Kyodo news agency said.
“The risk of increasing infections and difficulty in turning a profit due to a likely cap on spectators swayed the decision,” Kyodo said, citing anonymous sources.
The JFA is in discussions with FIFA, which may push back the Club World Cup to early next year, the report said.