Report: Spain to be invited to Copa America in case of Japan withdrawal

Posted Tuesday, April 05, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Spain could be in line to be the first European nation to ever compete in the Copa America, after reports from Argentina emerged suggesting the Furia Roja are CONMEBOL's first choice in the case of Japan's withdrawal.

La Nacion reports that the Japanese are on the verge of dropping out of July's South American tournament, due to the upheaval it would cause to the nation's domestic schedule. The tragic events in March mean that the J-League will run through the Copa, making it almost impossible for the Blue Samurai to field a competitive team. An official withdrawal is expected from the Japanese FA later on Monday.

Ahead of the announcement, the newspaper also revealed that AFA chief Julio Grondona had already spoken with the Spanish head, and personal friend, Angel Maria Villar Llona, about the possibility of the Europeans replacing Japan in Group A of the Copa - which also contains Colombia, Bolivia and Argentina.

United States, Honduras and Costa Rica are also rumoured to be in the running for the last spot, but the North American nations must also compete in the Gold Cup the month before and so would be likely to send a weakened or Under 23 team to Argentina.

Of course Spain's inclusion would also be fraught with difficulty, and as of yet there has been no word from the Furia Roja over the possibility of such an invitation - or indeed if it would be permitted by UEFA or FIFA.