"I'll beat you to death": Japanese public outraged by pro soccer club president's abusive remarks → Ultimately, apology issued and 30% of compensation cut

*This content was translated by AI.

"The Japanese soccer community was thrown into uproar over abusive remarks made by the president of a professional soccer club.

Japanese media outlet TVU News reported on the 21st that "Montedio Yamagata, a J2 League professional soccer club, announced disciplinary action against its president, Ida Kentaro (52), including a reduction in compensation."

Earlier, in February, some Japanese weekly magazines exposed that President Ida made threats such as "I'll beat you to death" during a telephone interview with a local newspaper reporter, sparking a major controversy. The reporter was said to have conducted the interview without waiting for an official announcement regarding the club's plan to build a new stadium, revealing that Tokyo-based real estate development company "Escon" intended to invest.

As the controversy grew, Montedio Yamagata formed an investigation committee with external members to ascertain the facts. As a result, the club's board of directors stated, "We acknowledge that President Ida's inappropriate remarks were made," and announced that "President Ida voluntarily returned 30% of his executive compensation for four months and will complete an education program on emotional control."

However, he will retain his position as president. According to Japanese sports daily Sports Hochi, the club stated, "President Ida has already apologized directly to the other party, and the reporter has indicated that they will not pursue criminal or civil liability," adding, "We have determined that President Ida's presence is essential in relation to the construction of the new stadium and new investors, and we must also consider the notable improvement in performance achieved since he took office as representative director." Thus, the club drew a line against his resignation.

At the press conference held on this day, President Ida bowed his head and said, "I sincerely and deeply apologize once again to the reporter who suffered mental distress due to my inappropriate remarks. I am also deeply sorry that I seem to have greatly damaged the trust of those who support Montedio Yamagata. I offer my deepest apologies once again and will do my utmost in the stadium construction."

Montedio Yamagata was founded in 1984 and joined the J2 League in 1999. The club was promoted to the J1 League during the 2009–2011 seasons and the 2015 season. This year, the team sits in fourth place among 10 teams in the Eastern A Group of the "J2/J3 100-Year Vision League" with 17 points (6 wins, 5 losses).

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*This content was translated by AI.