The player of Reims Junya It, who has been accused of sexual assault in Japan, was not on the Japanese team list unveiled on Thursday to face North Korea in the qualifying phase for the World Cup, as its coach wanted to “protect” him. “Thinking about the impact I could have on his family, which is the most important thing, I thought it would be better not to call him now,” Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu said, as quoted by local reports. that media.
In February, Ito hurriedly left the Asian Cup in Qatar after Japanese police announced on February 1 that they had opened an investigation into the matter. The events accused by the footballer took place in a hotel in Osaka (western Japan) in June 2023 after the match between Japan and Peru, according to the Japanese press.
The 31-year-old winger, who arrived at Reims in 2022 and is an undisputed starter in Ligue 1, filed a complaint against the two women who accused him, demanding 200 million yen (1.2 million euros) that damages and damages.
Although Ito has the support of his club and regained his starting place at Stade de Reims, Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu did not select him to face North Korea in Tokyo on March 21 and then in Pyongyang five days later. , ultimately in qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup. Tabo.
Moriyasu says he wants to call her, but decides not to “protect her.” “I tried to imagine what the climate would be like around him in Japan, and I don’t think he will be allowed to live and play football in peace,” Moriyasu told Japanese media. “I think the whole team cannot work in peace.”
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
