J-League Sets Date For Resuming Play After Earthquake & Tsunami

The 38 clubs from the top leagues met and agreed on the April 23 date of resumption as well as a modified schedule for the rest of the season. All of the matches missed in the six-week break will be made up in July, but the League Cup will have to be played on a shortened format to make room for the league matches. In addition, all matches will be played in the afternoon to save electricity until the summer when the midday heat will force teams into night matches.

Three clubs will have to play in alternate venues because of earthquake damage to their home stadiums. Clubs in Sendai, Kashima and Mito will all play elsewhere and no estimation for when those clubs will be able to return to their repaired stadiums was made.