By David Gold
May 11 – Japan looks set to withdraw from the Copa America for a second time, with Costa Rica to take their place at the tournament, being held in Argentina this July, according to FOXSports.
Japan’s participation was in doubt after the earthquake and tsunami which hit the country in March.
As a result, J-League games in the country were cancelled and rescheduled for July, which meant the league was only willing for its players to make up two thirds of the Japanese squad for the tournament.
But leading European clubs have expressed opposition to their players taking part in the tournament.
Clubs are not required to release players for the competition because Japan was invited to participate outside of the CONMEBOL Federation which organises the Copa America.
Japan had initially pulled out of the tournament but went back on that decision after some consideration.
It now seems that Costa Rica will participate in the competition for the fourth time in Japan’s place, and they will compete in Group A alongside Argentina, Colombia and Bolivia.
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