Kaishū Sano Faces 600 Million Yen Transfer Fee Demand After Arrest on Non-Consensual Charges

An unprecedented scandal has shocked Japanese soccer. Kaishū Sano, a 23-year-old midfielder for the Japan national team, was arrested on charges of non-consensual intercourse on the 17th. According to reports from TV Asahi and others, Sano has admitted to the charges. He had recently secured a four-year contract with Mainz in the German Bundesliga, moving from J1’s Kashima Antlers. 

“On that day, a Zoom interview with Sano about his move to Germany was scheduled with the reporter. However, early in the morning of July 16th, we received an email from his management asking to cancel. We never expected an arrest for sexual assault.” (soccer magazine reporter)

For Sano, the European move was a crucial step forward in his career. He was also listed as a potential player for Japan’s national team in the final round of the World Cup Asian qualifiers starting in September.

 

“He was one of coach Moriyasu’s (1.55) favored players. Many in the soccer community noted that Sano resembled Moriyasu in his younger days. His ball-winning ability was especially praised, making him one of the top defensive midfielders in the current team.” (another reporter)

 

Sano was set to wear number 6 at Mainz, marking his first major role in a European league in a long time.

 

“After the arrest news broke, Kashima Antlers, where Sano was last affiliated, quickly issued a statement. They said, ‘Although Sano’s transfer was completed, we are deeply concerned about the matter involving a former player. We will closely monitor the situation.’ Since Sano had 2.5 years remaining on his contract with Kashima, the transfer involved a fee of 4 million euros (approximately 600 million yen). However, if Sano’s arrest affects the transfer, the fee could remain in limbo.” (evening paper reporter) 

because of Sano’s arrest, there is a possibility that the transfer fee will be left in limbo.

 

 

A transfer fee is the amount paid by the acquiring club to the player’s former club when a 

transfer is completed. Although the specifics of the contract between Kashima Antlers and Mainz are confidential, a front office representative from a J-League club explains:

 

“If the transfer was finalized, the payment arrangements for the transfer fee would have been set. However, with the unprecedented scandal of Sano’s arrest, Mainz might claim breach of contract and refuse to pay the transfer fee to Kashima. As Kashima would not receive the fee they were supposed to, they might demand that Sano cover the transfer fee himself. Additionally, Sano could face a penalty from Mainz.” 

Sano, who joined Machida in 2019 from Yonago Kita High School, was highly regarded as an “immediate asset” in the J2 category. Many J1 clubs had him on their radar due to his impressive high school performance. However, there were rumors about his off-field behavior, as a representative from another J1 club reveals:

“Some clubs were concerned about his off-field conduct and decided against signing him. Nevertheless, when Machida secured his acquisition, the front office was thrilled, calling it a great find. From what I saw of Sano in high school, I believed he would be a valuable asset in J1.”

Earlier this year, Japan national team player Junya Ito was involved in a sexual misconduct scandal during the Asian Cup in Qatar, which led to his departure from the team and their failure to win the championship. Sano was with the national team at that time.

“Ito left the team during the tournament, and some sponsors even pulled ads featuring Japan national team players, including Ito. However, Ito was not arrested. Since Sano was part of the team and witnessed the consequences of such issues, the situation is more troubling. If Sano is judged guilty, his future as a soccer player could be in jeopardy.” (evening paper reporter)

The price Sano will have to pay is extraordinarily high.