Seibu Lions owner Yoshiaki Tsutsumi on Saturday voiced opposition to the Nippon Ham Fighters moving their franchise to Sapporo in a bid to improve the Pacific League club's waning popularity.
"I think it is best that Sapporo Dome be used freely by many clubs. One team should not hold a franchise there, otherwise, any other team must have its permission to use the facility," said Tsutsumi said.
Tsutsumi, for his part, has already been pushing to make Sapporo the Lions' home away from home with plans to stage 20 games or more at the venue during the 2002 season.