Machida Zelvia Faces Allegations As J1 Season Heats Up

As the Meiji Yasuda J1 League season heats up, Machida Zelvia finds itself in the spotlight, not only for its upcoming match against Kawasaki Frontale on April 6, 2025, but also due to serious allegations surrounding its manager, Tsuyoshi Kuroda. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Kuroda may have engaged in power harassment, raising concerns among fans and officials alike.

Leading into the ninth round of the J1, Machida has made headlines for its statistics as well. According to the official J.League data site, the club has accumulated a staggering 15 yellow cards, the highest in the league. Following closely are Avispa Fukuoka, Tokyo Verdy, and Kyoto Sanga, each with 12 cautions. Additionally, Machida leads the league in fouls committed, with 16, while Fukuoka and Tokyo Verdy trail with 14 and 12, respectively.

Before the crucial match against Kawasaki, Kuroda addressed the media, noting a decrease in fouls since the start of the 2024 season. "We are instructing our players to stop fouling during pressing situations in the attacking third," he explained. However, despite his claims, the club's foul count remains a point of contention when compared to other teams.

The juxtaposition of Kuroda's statements and the club's statistics has fueled negative commentary online, with many fans expressing skepticism about the team's discipline on the field. The situation has sparked debates among supporters, who are keen to compare Machida's performance with that of other clubs.

Machida's recent history under Kuroda has been a rollercoaster ride. In 2022, So Fujita, the president of CyberAgent, took the helm of the operating company, and the following year, Kuroda transitioned from coaching Aomori Yamada High School to leading Machida. His first year saw the team clinch the J2 League title and earn promotion to J1, followed by a remarkable third-place finish in the top tier in 2023. This season, the team has continued its strong performance, competing for the top spot.

However, Kuroda's coaching methods have come under scrutiny. Allegations of power harassment have emerged, with a team official, referred to as A, reporting Kuroda's behavior to the Japan Football Association (JFA) in January 2025. A stated, "I reported to the JFA that Kuroda's actions might constitute power harassment." This prompted the J.League to launch an investigation into the allegations.

Three weeks after the initial report, a J.League official interviewed A about the specifics of Kuroda's conduct. The investigation has since expanded, with officials reaching out to other team members to gather more information.

Incidents of Kuroda's alleged abusive behavior have been detailed by former team staff. One coach recounted a heated exchange during a practice session in June 2024, where Kuroda reportedly shouted, "Why can't you listen to what I say? I don't need you anymore. Get out, don't come before me." This incident, witnessed by players and staff, raised eyebrows about Kuroda's treatment of his coaching staff.

Furthermore, after a tactical disagreement in August 2024, Kuroda removed the same coach from the bench, stating, "The blame for the lost goal lies with you. You're off the bench from now on." This decision led to the coach being sidelined for the remainder of the season, further fueling concerns about Kuroda's management style.

In December 2024, another staff member reportedly faced Kuroda's wrath during a meeting, leading to severe stress and hospitalization for about two weeks due to a mental health diagnosis. This incident has been cited as a clear example of the alleged power harassment occurring within the club.

In light of these allegations, the Japan Pro Soccer Players Association conducted surveys among J.League players, including one specifically targeting Machida players. The surveys aimed to assess the prevalence of power harassment within the team. Player D disclosed that the Players Association had sent out a questionnaire in November 2024, indicating that multiple concerning responses had been received regarding the team's environment.

Player E also shared his experience, stating that Kuroda often made inappropriate remarks, such as, "You can play in official matches even if you're injured," reflecting a troubling attitude towards player welfare.

On March 17, 2025, the operating company of Zelvia was sent a questionnaire regarding the allegations. The next day, Akira Fujita, president of CyberAgent, responded, vehemently denying the accusations against Kuroda, labeling them as a mix of speculation and falsehoods.

In a two-hour interview held on March 20, Kuroda himself defended his actions, asserting that he had never engaged in any form of power harassment. He stated, "I have never belittled anyone or shouted at them. There have been disagreements, but nothing beyond that." Kuroda emphasized the collaborative nature of decision-making within the coaching staff, countering claims of authoritarianism.

Regarding the staff member who was hospitalized, Kuroda acknowledged their absence but denied any high-pressure tactics, instead attributing the situation to the staff member's own responsibility. His statements, however, have not quelled the concerns raised by those who allege that Kuroda's behavior is indeed problematic.

The J.League's investigation into the allegations is ongoing, with officials tasked with determining the validity of the claims. As the situation develops, both Kuroda and Machida Zelvia face scrutiny not just for their on-field performance but also for the serious implications of these allegations.

As the match against Kawasaki Frontale approaches, the eyes of fans and officials will be on Machida, not only to see how they perform but also to observe how the club navigates these challenging waters. The outcome of the ongoing investigation and its impact on the team's future remains to be seen.