On the 1st of this month, Kochi United SC, a club in Japan’s JFL League (fourth tier), announced its application for a J3 League club license to the J.League. Currently leading the fourth division by a significant 10-point margin, the team is well-positioned to make the leap to professional status this season, provided they secure the J3 license before September.
In previous seasons, Kochi United has made several attempts to obtain a professional league license from the Japanese Football Association (JFA), but was denied due to financial issues, team performance, and stadium requirements. According to the JFA’s regulations in 2023, a JFL club must average 2,000 spectators per home match and achieve annual ticket revenue of 10 million yen in the season prior to joining the professional league. Additionally, the club must finish in the top two positions for direct promotion in the JFL.
As the largest football club in Kochi Prefecture, Kochi United has already met these conditions in the preceding season. It is highly likely that their license will be approved in September, and as long as they maintain a top-two position until the end of the season, they will become the first professional league club in the prefecture.
Kochi United SC Officially Applies for Professional League License, Aiming to Become the First Professional Club in the Prefecture. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/kochi-united-sc-officially-applies-for-professional-league-license-aiming-to-become-the-first-professional-club-in-the-prefecture.html
