OITA (Kyodo) Cash-strapped Oita Trinita are set approach the J. League to ask for financial assistance following the Kyushu club's recent relegation to the second division, it was learned Monday.
Second-division FC Gifu and Thespa Kusatsu have in the past been provided with loans from a J. League fund set up for clubs in financial difficulties, but Oita would be the first club from the top flight to be bailed out of trouble.
"We had informal talks with Oita at the end of October and if they make an official request then we will do things by the rules and make a positive consideration," said J. League chief secretary Hideyuki Hanyu. "We are preparing to bring the case to the J. League executive board meeting (on Nov. 17)."