J.LEAGUE Chairman Mitsuru Murai commented that the league reached to a basic agreement with the J.Clubs to extend suspension of matches until at least 3 April on account of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

J.LEAGUE has decided to suspend matches until 18 March last week and has been holding liaison councils with medical experts and Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB). During the second meeting held on 9 March, the league was advised by experts to consider further suspension to hold matches beyond 18 March.

“We held a video conference with the clubs after the liaison council and we came to a basic agreement to suspend all matches scheduled in March," Murai said. "We will do our utmost efforts and preparations to resume on 3 April.”

Official announcement will be made after the executive committee and board of directors meeting scheduled on 12 March.