Kawasaki Frontale will face five-time English Premier League champions Chelsea FC in the MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE WORLD CHALLENGE 2019 at Nissan Stadium on July 19 (Fri).
The J.League has organized the MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE WORLD CHALLENGE 2019 as an invitational “J.LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL SERIES” of matches between J1 clubs and world-class clubs from abroad. The J.LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL SERIES has the purpose of creating opportunities for J.League clubs to gain international experience and for as many people as possible to enjoy exceptional football. The kick-off time, broadcasting arrangements, ticket sales and more details will be announced in due course.
Overview of the MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE WORLD CHALLENGE 2019
■Title: MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE WORLD CHALLENGE 2019
■Host: Japan Football Association/Japan Professional Football League
■Organizer: Japan Professional Football League
■Title Partner: Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company
■Match
・Date: Fri. 19 July, 2019
・Fixture: Kawasaki Frontale vs. Chelsea FC
・Stadium: Nissan Stadium
J.League Chairman Mitsuru Murai
“For the first time in two years, we are hosting the MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE WORLD CHALLENGE. This year J.League has introduced an increased number of foreign slots and we are challenging the clubs to have higher competitiveness. We believe that this competition is needed to introduce the international standards to J.League. As a club suitable for the purpose of this match, we have invited one of the most prestigious European clubs, five-time English Premier League champions and former UEFA Champions League winners, Chelsea FC. I’m excited to see how defending J.League champions Kawasaki Frontale will play against Chelsea FC. As a representative of the J.Leauge clubs, I expect them of good results in the form of a victory. This tournament’s title partner is Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company, who makes a significant contribution to J.League and its clubs as a top partner and title partner, and always supports J.League’s principles; enhancement of the standard of Japanese football, sports culture as well as interaction and friendship in the international community. We appreciate their further support to realize our third principle of international interaction and friendship, and we’re determined to make this competition worthy of their support.”
Kawasaki Frontale player Yu Kobayashi
“I’m excited to play against world-famous Chelsea FC as a representative of J.League, and I think they are wonderful opponents to test our football with. We all know their players, and it is needless to say that they are world-class players. Previously we played against Borussia Dortmund and we were overwhelmed by them. This time, we would like to show our pride as a Japanese club, and as the J.League champions. I think the stadium will be filled not only with Frontale fans but also with people who want to watch Chelsea. We also want them to see how we play and turn them into Frontale fans. It would be great if this match could make people feel that J.League’s football is fun and entertaining. I want to thank Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company and J.League for giving us this amazing opportunity. We will do our best!”
Chelsea FC chairman Bruce Buck
“We are very pleased to be able to confirm the details of this first match we have announced in our pre-season schedule, with more dates to come in the forthcoming weeks. It is going to be an exciting summer for the club and we are looking forward to working closely with our valued partners at The Yokohama Rubber Company to make this a visit to remember. We are delighted to be returning to Japan after almost seven years and we also thank the J.League for their cooperation in organising the game. We are sure Kawasaki Frontale will provide high-level opposition at a noisy and passionate International Stadium as we prepare for the season ahead.”
Chelsea Football Club (England)
Established: 1905
Home town: London
Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Club color: Blue
2017-18 Season:
5th in the English Premier League, FA Cup winners
2018-19 Season:
6th in the English Premier League (As of March 20), UEFA Europa League quarter-finalists (In progress)
Honors:
English Premier League champions 5 times
English FC Cup winters 8 times
English League Cup winner 5 times
UEFA Champions League winners 1 time
UEFA Europa League winners 1 time
Founded in 1905 in West London, Chelsea FC won the English Football League (current Premier League) for the first time in 1954-55, and FA Cup in 1970. The club, known as “the Blues” due to its kit color, flourished in 1990s and won the UEFA Super Cup in 1998, beating Real Madrid. After current owner Roman Abramovich took over in 2003, Chelsea FC celebrated its 100th anniversary with their first Premier League trophy in 2004-05 under manager José_Mourinho, and defended the title next season. In 2011-12, the club won the UEFA Champions League for the first time and became one of the European powerhouses. They visited Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup 2012 as the European champions and became runners-up after losing to South American champions Corinthians. The current squad includes Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard, who faced the Japan national team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and many other national team players such as Spain striker Pedro, France midfielder N'Golo Kanté, Brazil midfielder Willian and defender David Luiz. Fernando Torre, currently at Sagan Tosu, also played for them in 2011-2014.
