The Japan Football Association (JFA) Referee Committee held a comprehensive briefing on March 18, 2025, to clarify the controversy surrounding the adjustments to foul criteria and their impact on Actual Playing Time (APT). Chairman Ogami Kenji emphasized, "There is no intentional act of not calling fouls to extend time," addressing concerns raised by fans and players alike.
The meeting, conducted in Tokyo, highlighted the committee's unwavering commitment to maintaining the standards of refereeing without altering the established guidelines. This season, numerous criticisms have emerged from players and team officials due to perceived inconsistencies, particularly during intense contact plays. Ogami articulated the necessity of refining refereeing standards, asserting, "A foul called last year is still considered a foul this year, and we want to raise the judgment standard." His comment reflects the JFA's goal of enhancing competitive integrity.
Manager Sato Ryuji reinforced this viewpoint by explaining the committee's focus on the strength and depth of contact during play situations. He stated, "This year, we expect referees to confidently call no fouls where they were deemed as such before." This expectation aims to alleviate misunderstandings among officials about when to apply foul rules and reduce the occurrence of misjudgments during matches.
Throughout February and March 2025, the opening period of the J-League faced significant scrutiny, particularly from fans and team representatives frustrated by missed calls on fouls, such as pushing and holding situations. For example, instances where players were allowed to play through significant contact without whistle intervention spurred vehement discussions around player safety and the need for stricter adherence to the rules.
At the briefing, Sato illustrated the reasoning behind the committee's recent adjustments by presenting video footage. This included examples of both appropriately called fouls and instances where fouls should have been issued but were not, aiming to shed light on the nuances of judgment calls. Sato explained, "We are trying to standardize narratives around fouls versus no fouls to keep the game active and engaging." This aim aligns with the JFA's broader goal to increase actual playing time, benefiting both teams and spectators.
Despite significant attempts to adapt officiation practices, Sato acknowledged the persistent disconnect between fan expectations and referee decisions. He noted, "This year, there seems to be confusion stemming from the idea of getting back to no foul calls as part of our philosophy." To remedy this, Sato assured attendees of the JFA's continued vigilance and clarity moving forward.
Referees, he urged, must not adopt overly cautious approaches, as this can lead to overlooking serious fouls. He cited several instances where referees hesitated to penalize actions but emphasized the need to maintain the proper threshold for fouls every match. Sato asserted, "We need to get back to calling fouls when they are recognized—no leniency on judgments." Key examples underscored this message, demonstrating situations where players were significantly impeded without repercussion.
The committee's effort to clarify foul criteria hinges on two primary factors: the essence of contact leading to tactical gameplay and the overarching principle of preserving player safety and the flow of the match. Ogami reiterated, "We have not changed any criteria to extend Actual Playing Time; we just want to raise judgment standards." His declarations were strategically crafted to dispel rumors circulated through media coverage, clarifying misconceptions about the committee's intentions.
Ogami concluded the briefing by stressing the importance of communication between officials, players, and fans alike. He emphasized, "It's our duty to create clear narratives within the soccer community to improve league perception." The commitment to enhancement extends beyond just adherence to rules and includes proactive engagement with league participants.
With World Cup aspirations looming, the JFA's focus on integrity and clarity has never been more pertinent. The organization aims to unify its standards to facilitate growth domestically and growth at international levels. Ogami succinctly stated, "We want to establish Japan as a competitive powerhouse by 2050 with elevated standards beyond officiation and engage all stakeholders effectively."
The adjustments proposed during this briefing mark not just strategic affirmations but also reinforce the JFA's aspirations for higher performance standards within one of Japan's most beloved sports. The balance between strict enforcement of rules and the desire for increased game flow remains the centerpiece of JFA's objectives as each match plays out this season.
