The following incidents were confirmed and reported at the 3rd round of the 103rd Emperor's Cup JFA All Japan Soccer Championship held on July 12, 2023 (Wed). FC Tokyo has identified the perpetrators in all incidents and will proceed with strict measures as a club, as well as cooperating with the Japan Football Association (JFA) and the police.
□Confirmed and reported incidents
(1) Bringing and using dangerous substances such as explosives in the FC Tokyo side general admission stand
This act violates Article 4 (Prohibited Acts) Section 2 of the JFA's operational management regulations and is by no means permissible. We have conducted confirmation through surveillance camera footage and other means from the moment the incident was identified (before the start of the match). Furthermore, we have continuously monitored the location where dangerous substances were believed to have been used by FC Tokyo club staff and security personnel until after the match, and conducted interviews with some spectators in the vicinity of the same location after the match. However, we have not yet identified the perpetrator at this time. We are currently continuing our investigation and will promptly identify the perpetrator and take strict measures.
Furthermore, we recognize that this matter is a serious violation that undermines the trust of the JFA and J-League in ensuring safe and comfortable match viewing at the stadium. We take our responsibility as the club in charge of operations, security, and supporter management seriously, and we deeply apologize for causing such a situation. We will make every effort to prevent a recurrence in the future.
【Reference】
JFA Match Operation and Management Regulations
https://www.jfa.jp/documents/rules/
(2)Tobitakyu Station Front Signboard Vandalism
As of the pre-match stage, we have received reports and shared information regarding the vandalism of the corporate advertising signboard installed on private property in front of Tobitakyu Station. The owner of the signboard and the advertiser have already submitted a report to the police, and the police investigation is underway based on the analysis of surveillance camera footage from nearby stores and the station rotary.
In addition, unauthorized posters have been found on public facilities along Stadium Street and within the stadium grounds. Complaints have been received from local residents, and FC Tokyo club staff and security guards have conducted patrols and removed the posters. Although these incidents are not covered by the stadium's operational management regulations, the cooperation and understanding of the local residents near the stadium are essential for FC Tokyo to operate the matches, and we will cooperate if requested for investigation assistance.
At FC Tokyo, we will make even greater efforts to provide a safe and comfortable match viewing experience for stadium visitors, based on the rules and regulations for match operation and management. We will also further advance safe and secure match operation by engaging in additional discussions and collaborations with the residents of Chofu City and the surrounding stadium area, in order to integrate with the local community. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation.
