Japan rebels unlikely to boycott friendlies
Reuters - Monday 28 February 2011, 04:31
TOKYO, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Japan internationals are unlikely
to carry out threats of boycotting the country's two friendlies
in March over a bonus dispute, officials said on Monday.
"I doubt there is a real danger of that happening," the
Japan Football Association (JFA) told Reuters amid signs of an
end to the stand-off.
"It's in the hands of the lawyers but it shouldn't come to a
boycott."
The JFA has opposed demands by Japan's players association
(PFA) for a pay rise, pointing to the two million yen ($24,500)
paid to each player for wins at last year's World Cup in South
Africa.
That figure was double the amount the JFA shelled out at the
2006 tournament in Germany.
The PFA's demands began before the Blue Samurai won the
Asian Cup in Qatar in January but they have softened their
stance in recent days, asking for talks with the JFA.
JFA chief Junji Ogura launched a withering attack on the
PFA, accusing them of "losing the plot" by threatening to
jeopardise home games against Montenegro and New Zealand in
March.
"This is not what the PFA is there for," the 72-year-old
told Japan's Sankei Sports newspaper.
"We paid the players bonuses for winning the Asian Cup,
despite the fact there was no prize money.
"They get paid by their clubs, and they get offers from
foreign clubs. That's the value of playing for your national
team."
Japan's players are calling for an increase in win bonuses
and a share of the revenue from their own image rights.
Japanese internationals currently receive an estimated
100,000 to 200,000 yen for every match they win, but are asking
for a minimum of one million yen.