The future of the Toyota Cup, including this year's game in November, has been thrown into doubt as a result of the bankruptcy of marketing company ISL, Japan Football Association (JFA) vice president Junji Ogura said Monday in Tokyo.

The annual match between the winner of the European Champions Cup and its South American equivalent, the Libertadores Cup, has been held in Tokyo for more than 20 years. It is organized by European governing body UEFA and its South American counterpart CONMEBOL. ISL marketed the event.

But with ISL out of the picture, nothing can be done on the marketing side. To further complicate matters, any profits from this year's Toyota Cup would have to go to ISL's creditors.

This year's game between Bayern Munich and Boca Juniors is currently slated for Nov. 27 at Tokyo's National Stadium, but without a marketing partner, there is the possibility that it will have to be canceled.

Unfriendly Troussier

AINO, Shizuoka Pref. -- Japan soccer coach Philippe Troussier emphasized Tuesday that Wednesday's AFC/OFC Challenge Cup match against Australia "is not a friendly match."

The match between the Asian and Oceanian champions should be played as if it was the World Cup final, the Frenchman continued.

"I'm sure we can expect the Australians to have the same approach as it will be a revenge match for them," he said. Japan beat Australia 1-0 in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup in June.

Troussier also pointed out that the Australians still have to face the fifth-place finisher from the South American World Cup qualifying group in a final eliminator for a World Cup berth, so their players will be highly motivated.

Like Troussier, Australian manager Frank Farina has opted to do without some of his European-based stars and there are only seven players from the Confederations Cup squad. Among the likely starters for the Socceroos are Sanfrecce Hiroshima's Steve Corica, Osasuna forward John Aloisi and Dundee's David Zdrilic.Fred Varcoe

Jubilo to miss out

Jubilo Iwata and the other participants that were scheduled to play in this year's FIFA Club World Championship will not be able to play in the 2003 competition, JFA vice president Junji Ogura confirmed on Monday.

FIFA may still allow the defending champion, Corinthians of Brazil, to take part, but there will be no such option for the other teams.

The decision was made at a FIFA Club World Championship committee meeting held in Zurich on Friday. Jubilo and the 11 other clubs involved will receive $750,000 each in compensation.