Japan's football chiefs have vowed to shun the country's infamous 'yakuza' mobsters, as the sport worldwide tries to protect itself against the long tentacles of organised crime and illegal gambling.
J-League clubs, players and referees issued a joint declaration in Tokyo on Tuesday that they would keep away from "anti-social forces", a euphemism for Japan's underworld gangs.
There have been no major mob crimes involving the 20-year-old professional league so far, J-League chairman Kazumi Ohigashi said at a meeting where the declaration was signed.
Betting is outlawed in Japan except on horse racing and some other races.
An organised lottery on J-League matches began in 2001. (theborneopost.com)
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