Japanese police are investigating an alleged incident in Osaka last year involving 30-year-old winger Junya Ito, who plays for French club Reims and represents Japan at international level. "Junya Ito has filed a lawsuit against the two women for 200 million yen in damages, said his lawyer, Hirotaro Kato, quoted by AFP. 

The footballer denies any wrongdoing. His lawyer is calling for the matter to be resolved as soon as possible because of the consequences his client could face. "It is extremely important to restore his honour as soon as possible. A player's career is limited," Kato told reporters on Monday.

According to local media reports, Ito's physical coach has also been implicated. While Ito was at the Asian Cup in Qatar last month, a report on the allegations against him was published in a Japanese magazine. Ito left the Japanese team before their quarter-final match against Iran after the report was published. 

At the time, the Japan Football Association said Ito's decision to leave the national team camp was to protect the team from "noise" and "create an environment where they can concentrate on football".

After the Asian Cup, Ito returned to French club Reims, with whom he has already played two matches. Meanwhile, Reims have expressed their "support for their player ... awaiting concrete elements that will shed light on the alleged facts and (the club) will follow the legal the legal progress with great attention with great attention".