J. League side Vissel Kobe have told fans not to sing, chant or wave flags in their season-opening clash with Yokohama FC in order to help contain the spread of coronavirus.

In a statement on the homepage of the big spending Kansai outfit, fans who have a cold or flu-like symptoms have been asked to stay home while those who feel fine are requested to wear masks, wash their hands upon entry to the stadium and cover mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing.

It is hoped that not singing or participating...

Andres Iniesta lifted his first trophy of 2020 on Saturday but the Japanese Super Cup final will be remembered more for Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F Marinos missing nine consecutive spot kicks in the deciding penalty shootout that Kobe eventually won 3-2.

The game between the defending champions, Yokohama, and Emperor's Cup holders, Kobe, is the traditional curtain-raiser to the Japanese season though coaches will hope it does not set the scene for the standard of penalties for the months to come.

A...

Former Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa has announced he will retire at the end of the year.

Vissel Kobe striker Villa will hang up his boots after the end of the J-League season in January, bringing an end to a glittering 19-year career.

After 19 years as a professional, I have decided to retire from playing football at the end of this season," Villa wrote on Twitter. 

"Thank you to all the teams, coaches and teammates that have allowed me to enjoy this dreamed career.

"My...

Spain's World Cup-winning striker Fernando Torres ended a glittering 18-year career on Friday with his final match for J-League club Sagan Tosu.

Torres, 35, hung up his boots following a 6-1 defeat by a Vissel Kobe side featuring former Spain teammates Andres Iniesta and David Villa.

After the game at a packed Ekimae Real Estate Stadium, Torres, who also played for his boyhood club Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and AC Milan, received a video tribute from former Anfield teammate Steven Gerrard.

"Congratulations...