The Japan Football Association (JFA) has been rocked by a major scandal just hours before the highly-anticipated FIFA U20 World Cup Round of 16 clash, as Technical Director Masanaga Kageyama was arrested and subsequently fired over a serious moral offense.

Kageyama, who was on his way to Chile to inspect the impressive young Japanese squad, was arrested in Paris during a stopover at Charles de Gaulle airport.

A flight crew member reported him viewing inappropriate images on his device. A Paris court has now sentenced the former Japan U20 coach to a jail term of one year and four months (suspended for a probation period) and a fine of $5,830, which is approximately Ksh 752,945, for possessing/saving inappropriate images.

The court confirmed the facts were discovered by the flight crew. The sentence also includes a 10-year ban on working with children.

The JFA immediately terminated Kageyama’s contract. JFA General Secretary Kazuyuki Yakawa called the incident “deeply regrettable” and stressed the need for thorough compliance, stating, “Football is one part of society. Something like this cannot happen.”

The scandal casts a long shadow over the Samurai Blue, who have been a revelation at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.

The team’s impeccable group stage performance included three straight victories 2-0 against Egypt, 2-0 against hosts Chile, and a dominant 3-0 win over New Zealand cementing their status as dark horses.

Despite the shocking off-field turmoil involving their former technical chief, the focus must now shift entirely to the pitch.

The young Japanese stars are set to face a formidable challenge as they take on France in the Round of 16 on Wednesday morning.

The world will be watching to see if the Samurai Blue can maintain their impressive form and spirit to overcome the French test amid this profound administrative crisis.

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