Dutch pulls out

THE HAGUE: The Netherlands on Wednesday pulled out of hosting the 2019 European Games, declining to foot the bill for the event which the European Olympic Committee hoped to turn into a major international meet. “This means we’re handing the event back to the European Olympic Committee”, Geert Slot of the Dutch Olympic Committee told AFP. A Dutch bid to host the second edition of the continental games, with the first set to open on Friday in the Azerbaijani capital Baku, was approved “in principle” last month. But the financial cost of the games, which Dutch media reports said would run around 125 million euros still had to be discussed. The Dutch government said in a statement on Wednesday that “authorities have reached the conclusion that there are not enough guarantees for it to give its required 57.9 million euros for the 2019 European Games.” — AFP

Persipura kicked out

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian side Pahang FA have been handed a 3-0 walkover win in their AFC Cup last 16 clash against Persipura Jayapura after their foreign players were unable to enter Indonesia. The Asian Football Confederation made their decision on Wednesday, 15 days after the match was scheduled to be played in Papua. “The AFC Executive Committee has decided that Persipura Jayapura shall forfeit the match,” the AFC said. Pahang blamed the visa foul up on the under-fire Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), who suspended the local league earlier this year because of a row with the government over which clubs should take part. Four-time domestic champions Persipura, semi-finalists in the second tier regional tournament last year, had already announced plans to disband the team for the remainder of the season after Indonesia were banned by FIFA for the government interference. — Reuters

Ando ruled out

TOKYO: Japan striker Kozue Ando has been ruled out of the women’s World Cup in Canada after fracturing her ankle in the holders’ opening 1-0 win over Switzerland, the country’s football association said on Wednesday. Ando, 32, who has played over 100 times for the Nadeshiko, suffered the injury in the first half of Tuesday’s win when she was clattered into by the Swiss goalkeeper and was forced off the field. — Reuters