Japan to FIFA U-20 Women's World CupFebruary 8, 2012 - 15:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Japan will host the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, the world football governing body confirmed on Wednesday, Feb 8. Uzbekistan, the original host of the tournament, could not organize the World Cup due to a number of logistical and technical issues; prompting the FIFA Executive Committee to propose Japan as a probable new host in a meeting held in Tokyo on December 16th and 17th, 2011. Speaking in a statement on FIFA website, Japan Football Association President, Junji Ogura said hosting the competition is a “a big challenge but also an excellent opportunity to maintain the momentum and interest in the country following the world title the Nadeshiko won in Germany last summer”. “Japan is definitely a country where women’s football is on an upward curve,” he said. “Holding two FIFA competitions in Japan in 2012, we, together with FIFA, would like to encourage the people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.” The U-20 Women’s World Cup will be played from August 19- to September 8, 2012. It will feature 16 teams. Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Japan (host), Korea DPR, China, Korea Republic, Argentina and Brazil (CONMEBOL) have qualified. Germany is the reigning champion, having defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the 2010 final, Business Day reported. Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |