The J. League executive committee on Tuesday approved a move to scrap transfer fees for out-of-contract players from the 2010 close season.
The move, which falls in line with the standard of soccer's world governing body FIFA, is set to be rubber-stamped at a Japan Football Association board of directors meeting on June 14.
Under current J. League rules, transfer fees are calculated based on age for players who are under 30 years old and switching clubs even if they are out of contract.
The J. League players' association has been calling for the swift abolition of transfer fees.
The international standard allows players to negotiate a move six months before their existing contract expires.
Ota sidelined
KASHIWA , Chiba Pref. (Kyodo) Kashiwa Reysol midfielder Keisuke Ota will be sidelined for four weeks after picking up a knee injury in the J. League last weekend, Kashiwa said Tuesday.
Ota damaged ligaments in his right knee and was substituted at halftime in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Nagoya Grampus.
Reysol are the only team in the first division yet to win and prop up the table with just four points from six games.