Junya Ito, who was cleared of sexual assault allegations, has returned to the Japan national team.

Ito spent a hot night at a hotel in Osaka after drinking with two women following an A-match in January last year. However, the two women accused Ito of sexual assault and reported him to the police.

The revelation that a national team player had sexual relations during the A-match period shocked many. Moreover, Ito had sexual relations with two women at the same time. Ito denied the sexual assault allegations, stating, "It was a consensual sexual relationship."

However, the Japan Football Association quickly imposed a penalty. This was because he had damaged the dignity of his position as a national representative. The Japan Football Association officially announced Ito's removal from the Asian Cup amid the sexual assault allegations. Japan, without Ito, lost 1-2 to Iran in the quarterfinals.

Subsequently, Ito filed a counterclaim, alleging false accusations and defamation, demanding 200 million yen (approximately 1.8 billion won) in damages from the women involved. Through his attorney, Ito stated, "I am innocent. There is no objective evidence in the complaint submitted by the women. I had a consensual sexual relationship."

On August 9, the Japanese prosecutors decided not to indict Ito on the sexual assault allegations due to "insufficient evidence." Consequently, Ito, having cleared the allegations, regained his eligibility for the national team. He entered as a substitute in the match against China on September 7, which Japan won 7-0.

After scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists, Ito bowed 90 degrees to the crowd in a gesture of apology. This was a ceremony that took place during his return match after losing his national team eligibility due to the sexual assault allegations in February.

After the match, Ito expressed his gratitude, stating, "The warm welcome from the crowd motivated me. I played with a heart full of thanks."

Hwang Ui-jo is also hoping for a similar situation. Hwang, who is facing allegations of illegal filming during sexual relations, recently submitted a letter requesting leniency during his trial. He reportedly said, "I must participate in the North and Central America World Cup as a national team player."

However, the victims' side is making conflicting arguments, wanting punishment for Hwang Ui-jo. For Hwang to return to the national team, he must clear the allegations.

Even if Hwang Ui-jo clears the allegations, he must be wanted by coach Hong Myung-bo to be selected. Given Hwang's decline after the Qatar World Cup, the likelihood of him going to the World Cup ahead of juniors like J 주민규, 오현규, and Oh Se-hoon is very low.

This is the reason behind claims that "Hwang Ui-jo might be using his past as a member of the national team to seek leniency and mitigation from the court."

[OSEN]