Japan pulled out because they have to play league games in July to make up for those matches postponed recently as a result of the earthquake which hit the country. But though most of the country’s players play in Europe, their teams are under no obligation to release them.
The Federation president Jinji Ogura said: “Blatter has said he would consider changing the rules. Grondona knows that there are many Japanese players who play in Europe and told me CONMEBOL would take responsibility and negotiate their release.”
