Since late February, Japanese soccer's professional and amateur competitions have shut down in an attempt to protect players, coaches and fans from the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak that has forced the cancellation of major sporting events around the world.
On Tuesday, a wrench was thrown into efforts to protect the Japanese game when Japan Football Association Chairman Kozo Tashima announced that he had tested positive for the new coronavirus after recording a low fever and symptoms of pneumonia.
Although international news outlets have focused on his role as the vice chairman of the Japan Olympic Committee, locally the 62-year-old is far better known for his seat at the head of the national soccer body.