Japanese Star Leaves the Asian Cup

Agencies – Sudan Events

Japanese player Junya Ito left his country’s team camp in the Asian Cup, currently being held in Qatar, after he was accused of assaulting two women.
The Japanese Federation said that Eto’o, who plays for French club Reims, left the first team, out of concern for his mental and physical safety.
“There are different stories about the incident.” The Football Association continued.
On Thursday, the Japanese police announced that they had opened an investigation against Ito, after reports said that two women had accused him of assaulting them, which the player denies.
“We have received a criminal complaint against Junya Ito and have opened an investigation,” a police spokesman in Osaka said.
Eto’o (30 years old) was chosen in the final list that beat Bahrain 3-1 on Wednesday in the round of 16, but he remained on the reserve bench.
In his turn, Reims said in a statement that he takes the allegations seriously, but Eto’o “remains a team player.”
He added, “The Japanese striker’s human qualities and behavior were never in doubt by the club.”
Media reports claimed that the incident occurred inside a hotel in Osaka in June last year, after a friendly match between Japan and Peru.
Kudo Agency indicated that the player denied the accusation, and quoted his lawyer as saying that the allegations were “unfounded.”
When asked after the Bahrain match about Eto’o’s situation, “I am not fully aware of the allegations I will deal with the matter after studying it.” coach Hajime Moriyasu said.
Eto’o participated in all matches in the group stage of the Asian Cup, and the Japanese Federation also indicated that Eto’o would not be replaced by another player in the tournament.