The Japan Football Association (JFA) has withdrawn from hosting the 2021 Club World Cup originally scheduled to happen in December due to the COVID-19 situation in the country, world football's governing body (FIFA) said on Thursday.

A new version of the event which would include 24 teams was originally planned to debut in China in June 2021, but FIFA announced in December 2020 to cancel the launch of the new edition, and that the old version which typically included 7 teams would continue and be staged in Japan. 

"FIFA can confirm that it has been informed today by the JFA that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hosting situation in the country, they are no longer in a position to host the FIFA Club World Cup 2021," it said in a statement.

"FIFA would like to thank the JFA for their work and commitment and looks forward to going back to Japan in the future. Further details about an alternative host for the FIFA Club World Cup 2021 will be announced by FIFA in due course."

The Japanese government on Thursday decided to extend the COVID-19 state of emergency in many parts of the country as it looked to suppress a fresh wave of infections.

With the JFA relinquishing its right to host this event, Qatar is potentially taking over the job, according to The Telepraph. 

(With input from Reuters)