Japan Footballer Kaishu Sano Released After Arrest for Sexual Assault

Japan footballer Kaishu Sano has been released more than two weeks after being arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman, his management company confirmed. It is still unclear whether the case against the 23-year-old, who recently signed for top-flight German side Mainz, has been dropped over the incident that took place on July 14. Reports from German media suggest that no charges will be filed against Sano, although this has not been officially confirmed. In a statement issued by his management company on Monday, the footballer expressed his sincerest apologies to the victim for the distress caused by his actions. Sano's release comes on the same day as his statement, as he looks to move forward from the allegations made against him.

"I take the consequences of my action seriously and will strive to restore trust," he was quoted as saying.

Contacted by AFP his management declined to say anything further. Police were not immediately available for comment.

The defensive midfielder and two friends, also in their 20s, allegedly sexually assaulted the woman at a hotel in Tokyo, Japanese media reports said.

After responding to a call immediately after the alleged assault from the woman, reported to be in her 30s, police arrested the three near the hotel, the reports said.

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Sano, who has made four appearances for Japan and was part of the squad at this year's Asian Cup in Qatar, signed for Mainz earlier this month from Kashima Antlers.

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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