Japanese J. League Clubs Consider August Start for Soccer Season

A vast majority of J. League clubs have given their approval for the upcoming soccer season to commence in August starting from the 2026-2027 season. Out of the 60 clubs across the first to third divisions, 52 showed their support for this shift during a meeting in Tokyo. Only one club voiced opposition to the proposal, while seven others suggested further discussion over the matter.

Currently, the J. League season typically begins in February, but the proposed change aims to align it with the start dates of prominent European leagues. The final decision on this matter is expected to be made at the upcoming board meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.

The push for an August commencement stems from the recent adjustment made to the Asian Champions League, which now begins in September. This adjustment has prompted discussions for the J. League to transition to a summer start as well. Such synchronization with European competitions could facilitate an increase in player transfers between the J. League and leading global leagues.

Despite the favorable response from most clubs, senior J. League official Junya Higuchi emphasized that various unresolved issues still need to be addressed. One key concern revolves around enhancing facilities for clubs located in regions prone to heavy snowfall throughout the winter months.

In light of these deliberations, the upcoming decision regarding the start of the J. League season holds considerable significance for Japanese soccer. Stay tuned for updates as the league moves closer to potentially realigning its schedule to match that of top football leagues worldwide.

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Zora Əhmədov

Zora Əhmədov, our dedicated statistician and lover of small leagues, is the analytical mind behind Asia.futbol's in-depth statistical analyses. Hailing from Azerbaijan, Zora's expertise lies in uncovering the hidden gems and untold stories within the lesser-known football leagues across Asia. With a sharp focus on numbers and an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, Zora's articles provide readers with a fresh perspective on the statistical side of Asian football.

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