Japan Football Association (JFA) to withdraw from hosting the 2021 Club World Cup.
The annual tournament was due to be held in December.
In a statement, FIFA said, “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 would like to thank the JFA for their work and commitment and looks forward to going back to Japan in the future. Further details about an alternative host for the FIFA Club World Cup 2021 will be announced by FIFA in due course,” the world soccer’s governing body added.
On Thursday, the Japanese government extended the Covid-19 state of emergency in many parts of the country in a bid to suppress a fresh wave of infections.
Last year, the country was chosen by FIFA to host a traditional seven-club event after an expanded 24-team tournament.
The 24-team tournament was originally scheduled for China in June 2021 but it was delayed due to the pandemic.
Local media reports indicate that as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, the JFA had planned to stage the tournament this year, given that the country last hosted it in 2016.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino last year said that a 24-team event was on their agenda and they just needed to decide when it would take place.
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