The Bundesliga newcomer faces a prison sentence

New Mainz signing Kaishu Sano could face a lengthy absence from football. The Japanese player faces up to 6 years in prison.

According to Bild, the 23-year-old Japanese player is accused of gang rape, committed in collaboration with two former youth national team partners, Taika Yamamoto and Hayato Takeuchi. The victim, a 30-year-old woman, immediately reported the incident to the police. The suspects were promptly apprehended near a hotel. Sano and Yamamoto have admitted their guilt, while Takeuchi denies all charges.

Interestingly, under Japanese law, the three players face a prison sentence ranging from 4 to 6 years.

Mainz, which recently signed Sano to a four-year contract worth €2.5 million, may end up without both the player and the money, as the transfer has already been completed. However, the payment may be delayed due to the ongoing investigation.