World Cup Round of 32 elimination → Yet, the coach who agreed to a contract of "just six months," why exactly? The president of the Japan Football Association remains silent, saying, "Ask him directly."

*This content was translated by AI.

This is a somewhat unusual decision by the Japan Football Association (JFA). JFA President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto has effectively acknowledged Hajime Moriyasu's short-term contract.

Local media outlet "Sports Hochi" reported on the 11th that "President Miyamoto, after attending a shareholders' meeting held at J-Village in Fukushima Prefecture on the 10th, met with reporters and did not deny reports that he proposed an unusual short-term contract to Coach Moriyasu beyond the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup."

According to local reports, when asked about the contract status, President Miyamoto took an ambiguous stance, saying, "I plan to speak at the right time when it is appropriate to discuss this properly."

Especially regarding Coach Moriyasu's reaction, which is known to have accepted the proposal, he was extremely reticent, responding only with, "Ask Coach Moriyasu himself."

With the decision on whether to retain Coach Moriyasu expected to be made at the board meeting on the 23rd, President Miyamoto also avoided giving a clear answer regarding whether the final decision would be reached at that meeting, stating, "I have no idea about that at all," and adding, "There are things that need to be sorted out, and it may or may not take time."

The background behind Coach Moriyasu, who led Japan to the knockout stage of two consecutive World Cups, ultimately signing an extremely short-term contract is quite complex. According to local media outlets such as "Nikkan Sports," the JFA requested that Coach Moriyasu lead the national team only until the AFC Asian Cup next January in Saudi Arabia, and Coach Moriyasu has accepted this request.

Since first taking charge in 2018, Coach Moriyasu has led Japan for eight years, pulling off upsets by defeating Spain and Germany at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and further solidifying his position by beating Brazil and England in friendly matches ahead of this North American World Cup.

Although there was a prevailing view that he would lead the team to the knockout stage in this tournament as well, extending his contract for another four years into a 12-year long-term leadership system, the mood shifted dramatically after Japan was eliminated by Brazil in the Round of 32. Consequently, Coach Moriyasu, who had led the team for eight years, was presented with a somewhat humiliating six-month short-term renewal proposal.

Moreover, it is reported that even if the Asian Cup title is won, the contract will not be extended. The JFA has firmly decided that starting from March next year's A-match, a new head coach will lead Seon Im-hae (CEO) team instead of Coach Moriyasu, regardless of whether he successfully regains the Asian Cup crown.

As a result, the Japan national team now faces the situation of playing a total of 13 matches under a time-limited coaching system with an imminent departure: four consecutive A-match friendlies in September and October next year, two away friendly matches in November, and up to seven matches in the Asian Cup finals.

The JFA plans to thoroughly review the technical verification of this World Cup and the requirements for the next coach through the future strengthening department and technical committee, then have President Miyamoto and Masakuni Yamamoto Gi Sul-wi (Director), along with one separate advisor appointed by the president, narrow down candidates and report them to the board. Coach Moriyasu's contract renewal is expected to be officially finalized as early as this month's 23rd board meeting.

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*This content was translated by AI.