Following weeks of investigations, the J.League announced on 4 October that Shonan Bellmare manager Cho Kwi-jae was found guilty of abuse of authority on the team, and handed the 50-year-old a five-match suspension.
In addition, the J1 club was fined 2 million yen for neglecting to prevent the escalation of the incident.
In July of this year, the consultation desk for violence eradication within the Japan Football Association received anonymous information about the issue of power harassment at Shonan, and a team of four lawyers appointed by the J.League was tasked to interview relevant parties. Cho had been suspended by Shonan since mid-August, when the incident came to light.
Timeline of Events
Early July: JFA receives report of suspected power harassment by Cho.
Mid-July: The J.League informs Shonan of their investigation.
11 August: Shonan chairman Kiyoshi Makabe responds to Sports Hochi‘s query about reports of the investigation, “At the moment, I have not heard anything from the J.League.” A club spokesperson says, “There’s no problem of that sort.”
12 August: Sports Hochi reveals J.League’s impending investigations. The club expresses their willingness to cooperate with the body.
13 August: The club announces the suspension of Cho.
14 August: The J.League-appointed lawyers begin their hearing with relevant parties of the club.
24 September: J.League chairman Mitsuru Murai reveals publicly for the first time that the investigation is concluding and the resolution will be addressed in early October.
4 October: Murai meets the press and reveals the confirmation of power harassment from the investigation team.
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