J-League wants to help

Ohigashi with Stuart

J.League Chairman Kazumi Ohigashi has pledged to keep the strong working relationship and partnership with the AFC through more inspection and development projects to improve Japan’s club football.

Speaking at the closing on Tuesday of a development inspection development exercise by a special mission team (SMT) from the AFC Professional Football Development Project, Ohigashi said:

“Since the beginning of the inspection, I understand that the schedule has been challenging. I would like to thank you for the cooperation and hard work. 

“Last year, we received good feedback from our 40 clubs regarding the club licensing programme and we like to have your advice to improve our system. 

“Based on your assessment, we will try our best to improve. In the meantime, through such inspection and development projects, we like to keep this partnership and strong relationship with AFC.”

Director of Club Competitions Stuart Ramalingam, who led the SMT’s development inspection from April 13 to 17, responded to Ohigashi, saying: “We appreciate the warm hospitality during our stay in Japan. 

“We are aware that the J.League takes the Club Licensing Regulations one step higher than what AFC has advised and we appreciate your leadership in this new project. We would like to have continuous support from Japan for the development of professional football in Asia.”