Japan pulls out of 2018 World Cup race 05/05/2010 |
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Japan has withdrawn from the race to host the 2018 World Cup to focus on bidding for the 2022 tournament.
The Japanese Football Association (JFA) cited the widely held view that the 2018 event is likely to go to Europe as the reason behind its decision to concentrate on 2022.
Japan’s exit leaves England, Australia, Russia, the United States, Belgium/Netherlands and Spain/Portugal bidding for both tournaments, while Qatar and 2002 co-hosts South Korea are bidding solely for 2022.
JFA president Motoaki Inukai said: "We were told European countries would be in a fierce tussle for 2018 and that aiming for 2022 would the best choice.”
Fifa president Sepp Blatter confirmed that Europe is almost certain to be awarded the 2018 tournament – and hinted that England and Russia could be in pole position.
"I think for 2018 it will be a European candidate," he said.
"But apart from England you have the bid from Spain and Portugal, the small but very pleasant bid of the Netherlands and Belgium, and the big Russia also wants to come in.
"[England's bid] is the easiest bid in the world. They have the football already organised. They have everything. England has no problem in delivering a World Cup.
"The other bidders must convince the executive committee. England does not have to convince us."
However, he added of Russia: "I was there recently and what they presented is remarkable. Russia is not a country but a continent and Russia has big plans to expand.”
Bidding nations must submit their 'bid books' on May 14 ahead of Fifa inspections in August and September. World football’s governing body will make a final decision on 2018 and 2022 in December.
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