:format(webp)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/grupoclarin/5S2YM6AB4BBBRCBCR7JXYQIG2M.jpg "Japan bans Junya Ito from Asian Cup over sexual assault allegations he denies")
TOKYO (AP) — The Japan Football Association has removed Junya Ito from the Asian Cup team over sexual assault allegations that the player has denied, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported Friday.
Japan is the favorite to win the Asian Cup in Qatar and will face Iran in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Ito, a midfielder for French side Reims, participated in all of his team’s matches at the 2022 World Cup.
Two women reported that Ito sexually assaulted them last year. According to local press, the case is being investigated by the Osaka police.
“We have to create an environment where the players can concentrate on football. “We have made the decision after thoroughly thinking about the situation,” Japanese federation president Kozo Tashima said, as quoted by Kyodo.
Japan has won the Asian Cup four times, more than any other country.