According to Yahoo Sports Japan, Junya Ito, who currently plays for Lens in Ligue 1, is set to return to the Japan national team. The Japan Football Association’s sponsors have given the green light, allowing him to participate in the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers, which begin in September.
Ito played in the Asian Cup in January, but was caught in a sexual assault scandal by the weekly magazine Shukan Shincho. Two women filed criminal charges against him, although Ito denied the allegations and filed a counter-claim. Ultimately, on September 9th, the Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office announced that both Ito and his accusers would not be indicted due to insufficient evidence.
Following the allegations, Ito withdrew from the Asian Cup and has not been called up to the national team since. However, after watching a J1 League match on July 11th, Japan national team manager Hajime Moriyasu expressed an openness to Ito’s return. The stance of sponsors was the biggest uncertainty at the time, but it appears they have now agreed to his comeback.
An insider at a major advertising company stated, “As the case involving Ito has been closed and the non-indictment was due to insufficient evidence, the sponsors have expressed their support to the Japan Football Association for his return to the national team.”
Japanese media report that in recent years, companies have significantly increased their focus on compliance, particularly with regards to sexual assault issues, adopting a highly stringent approach. However, with the criminal proceedings concluded, the path for Ito’s return to the national team has become clear.
With sponsors’ approval, Ito is expected to be included in the squad list, which will be announced on the 29th, and participate in the matches against China on September 5th in Saitama and Bahrain on September 10th in Riffa.
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