On August 31, 2024 (Saturday), during the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Sec. 29 of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League (EDION PEACE WING HIROSHIMA), we submitted a statement to the J League regarding the unclear criteria for determining whether the match could be held due to the impact of Typhoon No. 10, in order to improve future operations. This is to inform you.
The content of the opinion statement (summary) mainly consists of the following points.
What We Consider This Issue
1. The matters that should be considered in the decision to conduct or cancel the match were overlooked.
- Impact on away team players involved in accidents, etc.
The suspension of transportation due to natural disasters is considered force majeure and is similar to an accident. In this case, it significantly compromised the health of the players. Fairness between home and away teams should be ensured to a certain extent, and matches should have been avoided in situations where the risk of player injuries and breakdowns is significantly heightened.
- Ensuring the safety of away team fans and supporters
In our club's hearing, the reasons for the cancellation of other matches during this period (5 matches were canceled due to the impact of Typhoon No. 10) included the difficulties faced by away team fans and supporters in traveling, as well as considerations for ensuring safety. Although the situation is somewhat different, the impact of the typhoon on away team fans and supporters should have been taken into account for the relevant match as well.
The J.League has the authority to determine whether a match will be held, but without clearly stating the criteria or timing for such judgments, both the home and away teams have been left in a state of uncertainty regarding the decision to proceed or cancel the match and the corresponding responses.
If clear criteria and deadlines for decisions are not provided, the team that is affected by the constantly changing situation, in this case, the away team, will continue to be burdened with the responses. The J.League should have actively grasped the situation and made decisions at the appropriate time.
[Request]
According to Article 62, Paragraph 2, Item 1 of the J-League regulations, the decision to implement or cancel in cases of "natural disasters, disruptions in public transportation, etc." is to be made by the chairman, but the application of that provision is ambiguous. Therefore, I request the following.
- J League will take the lead in implementing clearer criteria and decision dates for determining whether to proceed with or cancel the match until the day of the game.
- Regarding the criteria for judgment, it is important to ensure a certain level of fairness for both the home team and the away team, especially to showcase the best performance on the pitch that the J League aims for, and to formulate it with a player-first approach. Consideration should also be given to the safety of the teams, including the players, as well as the fans and supporters.
Above
