On September 5, Tokyo FC announced that it had submitted a proposal for improving operations to the Japan Professional Football League (J.League) regarding the match against Hiroshima on August 31, which was difficult to hold due to the impact of Typhoon No. 10.
The disruption of transportation caused by the typhoon is a force majeure event and could have a significant impact on the health of the players. Especially in cases where there is a notable increase in the risk of player injuries and other issues, matches should be avoided.
In other matches that were suspended due to typhoon impacts, consideration was given to the travel difficulties and safety concerns of away team fans. The same level of consideration should have been applied to the away team fans in the Tokyo FC match.
Lack of transparency in J.League’s decision-making authority and criteria: While J.League has the authority to decide whether matches should proceed, there is no clear standard or timeline for making these judgments, placing the away teams at a disadvantage in terms of response. J.League should swiftly assess situations and make judgments at appropriate times.
When deciding whether to proceed with or suspend a match, clearer judgment standards and timeframes should be established, and J.League should take the lead in improving these operational procedures.
Judgment standards should prioritize fairness between home and away teams and place top priority on the safety of players and fans.
Tokyo FC departed on August 29, but due to heavy rain affecting the Tokaido Shinkansen, the team was forced to wait in the train car for about 7 hours. Additionally, because travel was impossible, the team returned to Tokyo on the 28th and arrived in Hiroshima via air and bus on the 31st, making for an arduous journey.