Japan to compete in 2015 Copa America

Japan to play in Copa America

Japan will take part in the 2015 Copa America, South American football’s governing body CONEMBOL confirmed.

It will be the second time the Asian nation has vied for South America’s most coveted international trophy, having also taken part in the 1999 tournament in Paraguay, reports Xinhua.

“It is great news for football in our continent and further proof of the excellent relationship we have had with the Japan Football Association over a long period of time,” CONEMBOL president Eugenio Figueredo said in a statement Friday.

Japan also agreed to play at the 2011 Copa America in Argentina but withdrew following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the country in March 2011.

Meanwhile, Figueredo said CONEMBOL was also considering changing the two-legged format of the Copa Libertadores final to a single playoff at a neutral venue.