First England doesn't get the World Cup bid and now it seems the UK won't be getting Inazuma Eleven.

Back in November fans rejoiced when it was announced that Inazuma Eleven for the DS would make its way to Europe. The game, based on the anime series of the same name, mixes football with over-the-top action and tactical roll-playing. It has been incredibly popular since its release in Japan but it looks like UK gamers may not experience this joy.

Fans have noticed that when a European release for Inazuma Eleven was confirmed in November UK websites listed the title but these listings have vanished. Nintendo's UK website no longer lists the game even though the official Nintendo websites for other European countries do.

However, fans have noticed that the game is still mentioned in one section of the Nintendo website - the Stars Bonus section. The game is classified as containing a stars bonus flyer but this is the only mention of the title on the whole site.

GoNintendo contacted Nintendo about the issue and unfortunately they just received a very standard response - "with regard to this title, unfortunately we do not currently have an announced release date." Meanwhile our forum moderator Hero-of-Time contacted Nintendo and received a slightly different response.

"Regarding your enquiry � we have no confirmed plans at this stage so unfortunately I do not have any information to share with you. This does not mean the game will not be released in the UK / Europe, but at present we do not have any finalised plans. I would recommend keeping an eye on our homepage, as we announce all title releases there: www.nintendo.co.uk"

Nintendo has yet to make an official statement on the status of Inazuma Eleven in the UK so for the time being we will classify this as a rumour. However, given its removal from the official website chances do not look good. We'll keep you updated on the progress of this story as it breaks but it may be a case of waiting to see if it hits shelves at the end of the month.