Debt-ridden J.League second-division club Oita Trinita said Friday they have reached their goal of ¥100 million in public donations necessary to participate in the league's promotion/relegation playoff.
Oita, which is in the process of management reconstruction, had received ¥300 million in financing from the J.League, and must repay the full amount by mid-October or become ineligible to take part in the four-team playoff that will send one team to the first division for next season. The top two J2 teams automatically qualify for promotion.
"This was made possible because everyone rallied together. I believe that the business community and local governments in the prefecture will also get our message," said Oita Trinita president Hiroshi Aono.
The club, which is currently in fifth place in J2, began canvassing for public donations in local municipalities in May.
The 2008 Nabisco Cup champions plan to receive assistance from local governments and the business community to obtain the remaining ¥200 million, but Oita Prefecture will provide ¥100 million in financial assistance along with local municipalities.
Trinita will continue to accept public donations until Aug. 22.