FIFA president Sepp Blatter has boosted the hopes of Japan again hosting the World Cup. Blatter said Yokohama's Nissan Stadium would be an apt venue to host a World Cup final despite its capacity being 72,000 - 8,000 less than FIFA requirements.
Japan co-hosted the 2002 competition with South Korea and are a good chance to win the rights again according to Blatter, who has backed the use of the Yokohama venue for opening and closing matches but also said he would like to see a reduced bid from the Asian Football Confederation.
"There is no problem to stage at Yokohama stadium the opening match and final match," Blatter said.
"In Asia there are too many candidates, now Australia, Qatar, Korea Republic, Indonesia and Japan. The number should be reduced to one or two and we are ready to do so."