INTERNATIONAL: It seems Japan has had enough of hosting sports celebrations for the year. After a surge of Covid-19 cases in the country and an extension of its State of Emergency, the Japanese Football Association has decided to pull out of hosting the FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament is due to begin in December.

The Paralympics Games in Japan finished just last week. Now, the Japanese government is committed to controlling its worst wave of Covid-19, with a declared State of Emergency. The country was supposed to host the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup, but decided to relinquish its right to host the tournament. The event would have coincided with the 100th anniversary celebration of the Japanese Football Association.

FIFA has confirmed the country’s decision and expressed its thanks to Japanese officials. It says further details about an alternative host will be announced in due course.

^{Photo: B-ROLL OF TOKYO / FIFA SIGNAGE / PHOTOS OF CLUB WORLD CUP / EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CHELSEA TRAINING / FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO}