Japan's national football team will not play at the prestigious Copa America tournament in July due to the earthquake and tsunami that caused devastation in the island nation last month.
The Japanese Football Association (JFA) has announced that its national football team will play a charity match to help victims of the recent earthquake in the Asian country.
A number of high profile sporting events across Japan have been called off as the country continues to come to terms with the devastation caused by Friday's earthquake and tsunami.
The winners of this year's FIFA Club World Cup will receive $4.5 million -- the same as in 2005, organizers said on Friday.
Former Yugoslavia coach Ivica Osim will take charge of the Japan national side in succession to Brazilian Zico.
Japan coach Zico left hospital on Monday after spending the night under observation because of severe stomach pains, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said.
Japan want to play their controversial World Cup qualifier against North Korea in Malaysia after FIFA ordered the game to be switched to a neutral venue.
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