Spain turn down Copa America invite
Reuters - Wednesday 13 April 2011, 16:44
MADRID - World and European champions
Spain have turned down an invitation to play in this year's Copa
America due to their busy timetable, the Spanish football
federation (RFEF) said on Wednesday.
The offer came earlier this month when Japan withdrew from
July's tournament in Argentina after an earthquake and tsunami
devastated the Asian country's northeastern coast.
"The RFEF's board appreciated the invitation made by the
president of the South American football confederation
(CONMEBOL), Nicolas Leoz, to participate in the Copa America,
but have declined for calendar problems," the RFEF said in a
statement.
"This isn't the first time Spain have received an invitation
to play in the Copa America but the dates and the tight
competition calendar have always made it impossible to
participate.
"The board do not rule out the possibility of accepting a
future invitation."
Japan were drawn in Copa America Group A with the hosts,
Bolivia and Colombia. The tournament runs from July 1-24.