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The Argentine football association says Japan has pulled out of July's Copa America for the second time due to problems forming a team following March's earthquake and tsunami.
The AFA, the Copa America host, quoted Japanese football association president Junji Ogura on its website Monday saying ''the majority'' of European clubs with Japanese players have refused to release them for the July 1-24 tournament.
Ogura was quoted as saying it would be difficult to call up Japan-based players because delays caused by the natural disasters had forced changes to the domestic football schedule.
South American confederation spokesman Nestor Benitez told The AP a replacement for Japan will be decided in the next ''few hours''.
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