Ryutsu Keizai University in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture announced on the 3rd that five male soccer club members are suspected of having used illegal drugs. These individuals have been questioned by Ibaraki Prefectural Police, and two dormitories in Ryugasaki City were subjected to search warrants. In light of these developments, the university took the decisive step of suspending the soccer club's activities indefinitely.

The investigation began after the university received information from an external source in late February, suggesting that specific members of the soccer club might be involved in illegal drug use. Following this, the university conducted rapid urine tests on several club members with their consent, leading to a positive result for marijuana from one member. Additionally, during questioning, the five members reportedly confirmed that they had used marijuana, raising serious concerns about the conduct of the team.

The soccer club at Ryutsu Keizai University has a history of strong performance, having won the All Japan University Soccer Championship, and boasts a membership of 249. During a press conference held that day, President Naoto Katayama expressed deep apologies to the local community and current students for the distress and inconvenience caused by the incident, acknowledging the wider implications this scandal has on the university’s reputation and its communal relationships.