The defending national champion Nihon University Phoenix now have only three weeks to possibly get their ban lifted in order to participate in the 2018 season, which starts Aug. 31 at Amino Vital Field in Tokyo.
The Kantoh Collegiate Football Association on Tuesday announced it set a July 17 deadline for the Phoenix to hand in their report on the illegal tackle scandal that happened against rival Kwansei Gakuin University in a May 6 game at Amino Vital Field.
"We have suspended the Phoenix for this season, but at the same time we gave them some conditions which could make the ban lifted if they meet all of them," KCFA executive director Keiji Morimoto said. "But the season is nearing, so we decided to set the deadline."