Japan received an encouraging assessment of its ability to stage the 2022 World Cup following a four-day FIFA inspection of facilities and stadia in Tokyo and Osaka.
A delegation led by Chile Football Federation president Harold Mayne-Nicholls arrived in Japan on Monday and upon the conclusion of their fact-finding trip, declared themselves impressed with what they had seen.
"We must say that it is a very balanced product," said Mayne-Nicholls.
"It mixes football traditions with modern stadiums, new technology and environmental projects integrated with the world."
Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai was upbeat over the country's chances of staging football's biggest tournament, which they successfully co-hosted with neighbours South Korea in 2002 and that has full political and financial backing from the government.
"We got them to see an environment in which you could play fantastic football," he said.
"My impression is that all five inspectors had a deep understanding of our concept for the 2022 World Cup."
Japan are up against England, Russia, USA, Australia, Qatar and Korea as well as joint-bids from Spain and Portugal and Belgium and the Netherlands for the right to host the 2022 World Cup.
However, with Europe though to be the favoured destination for the 2018 edition, it is likely they will have to fend off competition from their Asian rivals and USA.
The delegation next head to South Korea today before moving onto Australia on Monday.
"We must say that it is a very balanced product," said Mayne-Nicholls.
"It mixes football traditions with modern stadiums, new technology and environmental projects integrated with the world."
Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai was upbeat over the country's chances of staging football's biggest tournament, which they successfully co-hosted with neighbours South Korea in 2002 and that has full political and financial backing from the government.
"We got them to see an environment in which you could play fantastic football," he said.
"My impression is that all five inspectors had a deep understanding of our concept for the 2022 World Cup."
Japan are up against England, Russia, USA, Australia, Qatar and Korea as well as joint-bids from Spain and Portugal and Belgium and the Netherlands for the right to host the 2022 World Cup.
However, with Europe though to be the favoured destination for the 2018 edition, it is likely they will have to fend off competition from their Asian rivals and USA.
The delegation next head to South Korea today before moving onto Australia on Monday.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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