TOKYO (JAPAN) (ITALPRESS) – Farewell to draws in the Land of the Rising Sun. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the J1 League, Japan’s top division, the federation has decided to completely eliminate the possibility of draws during league matches. If a match ends level, it will be decided by a penalty shootout. The winning team will earn two points, while the losing team will receive one point, as in a traditional draw.
This was reported on the official J1 League website, which places the new rule within the broader framework of the “100 Year Vision League,” a special competition that began on February 7. The tournament was created both to address a scheduling “gap” the Japanese league must deal with after deciding to replace its traditional calendar-year format (February–December) with the European-style calendar (August–May), and to celebrate the centenary of Japan’s top division.
Twenty teams, divided into two groups based on region, will each play 18 matches between February and May in what is referred to as the “regional round,” followed by a playoff round taking place from late May to late June.
The winner of the playoffs will automatically qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, the most prestigious club competition in Asian football.
This new competition will be held only this year, and therefore the elimination of draws will apply solely on this occasion—unless it proves to be a successful and particularly popular solution.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
