According to Japanese media, Sano Kaiju was originally scheduled to join Mainz on July 21, but it now appears the transfer will be put on hold.
The German newspaper Bild reports that Sano Kaiju’s transfer has been completed and the transfer fee must be paid. Kashima Antlers also announced that since Sano Kaiju’s transfer is complete, Mainz must pay a €2.5 million transfer fee; however, if Sano Kaiju cannot play, Mainz does not have to pay his wages.
This scandal has not only impacted Japanese football but also German football. The progress of the investigation has also drawn attention in Germany.