Japan will play in this year’s Copa America in Argentina having reversed a decision to pull out of the tournament after the country’s northeastern coast was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami last month.
“The JFA decided to participate in the Copa America today,” Japan Football Association (JFA) general-secretary Kozo Tashima was quoted as saying by the Kyodo news agency on Thursday. “We are in the process of notifying CONMEBOL [the South American soccer confederation] as we speak.”
Japan, who played as guests at the 1999 Copa America in Paraguay, were drawn with hosts Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia.
“Japan’s confirmation was greatly welcomed in South America at such a special moment the Asian country is living through,” CONMEBOL said on its Web site.
It said the JFA asked CONMEBOL for its help “before FIFA for the release by clubs of at least 15 from a list of 20 Japanese players who play in European [soccer].”
The JFA decision to take up the guest spot in the event from July 1 through July 24 will not please European clubs, who are reluctant to lose their Japanese players. Bundesliga side Schalke 04 have already objected to releasing defender Atsuto Uchida.
“We need to be careful how we reply if Uchida is called up in July,” Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt said. “We’re always willing to cooperate with the JFA whether it’s during the season or in the off-season, but we have a professional obligation to get the team in shape for an important and long season at that time of the year. It will be difficult for us to let him go.”
The Kyodo report said J-League authorities had offered conditional support to the JFA decision, saying coach Alberto Zaccheroni could pick only one player from each club.
Tashima said he did not expect all of Japan’s players to be available, but the squad must be strong enough to protect the reputation of the country and the tournament.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely