TOKYO (AP) — The head of the Japan Sumo Association has resigned amid a baseball betting scandal.
The nation’s ancient sport has been beleaguered by a gambling scandal involving top wrestlers and coaches, with gangsters acting as go-betweens.
Outgoing chairman Musashigawa, a former grand champion, was replaced Thursday by Hanaregoma, who once held the second-highest rank of ozeki. His resignation came as the association aims to restore the confidence of sumo fans amid the gambling scandal.
The scandal led to a criminal investigation into dozens of top wrestlers and coaches who allegedly wagered tens of thousands of dollars on professional baseball games, aided by gangsters.
