The financial conditions of J. League football clubs are deteriorating because of the nation's economic downturn. Most J. League clubs are spilling red ink. They need to take measures to economize and the J. League should reconsider its expansion plans.
With an accumulated deficit of ¥1.1 billion, Oita Trinita was forced to ask the J. League for help. The league, which has a fund to help clubs, decided to lend ¥350 million to the club, which will be downgraded from Division 1 to Division 2 next season. The league is also considering extending an additional ¥250 million loan to the club by the end of January 2010.
Nippon Television Network Corp. has sold its stock in Tokyo Verdy to a holding company because it was dissatisfied with the Division 2 club's performance.