Tokyo Verdy boss Yukitaka Omi became the J. League's first managerial casualty of the 2002 season after just five games when he was replaced by Brazilian Lori Sandri on Thursday.
The first division club is bottom of the league and has yet to register a point in the new season. Former youth director Omi paid the price for the disastrous start, with the club saying he has taken a "leave of absence."