Japan and Mexico given Copa America ultimatum
Reuters - Thursday 25 November 2010, 21:31
ASUNCION - Japan and Mexico could be
omitted from future Copa America tournaments if they do not come
to the 2011 event with their senior teams, a South American
Football Confederation (CSF) official said on Thursday.
Mexico have taken part in the South American championship
since 1993 while Japan will make their second appearance since
1999 in the tournament to be held in Argentina next July.
Both countries have said, however, they would prioritise
tournaments in their own confederations, in Mexico's case the
Concacaf Gold Cup, and play at the Copa America with age-limit
teams.
"I'd say if this chance we give these countries is not taken
advantage of, logically in the future we couldn't bear them in
mind," CSF vice-president Eugenio Figueredo said.
"Let's hope they come with proper squads to the tournament
to which they have been invited," he told the Paraguayan radio
station Primero de Mayo.
Mexico are in Group C with Uruguay, Chile and Peru, while
Japan are with hosts Argentina, Colombia and Bolivia in Group A.
Group B includes Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela.
The Copa America, the world's oldest active tournament, will
be played from July 1 to 24.