Masangaka Kageyama, a senior official with the Japan Football Association (JFA), has been sentenced to 18 months in prison in France after being found guilty of possessing and viewing child sexual abuse imagery. The conviction, confirmed by French judicial officials on October 7, includes a substantial fine and multiple prohibitions.
Kageyama, who served as the JFA’s technical director, was apprehended last week during a layover at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle International Airport. He was en route to Chile to participate in the preparations for the U20 World Cup 2025 when the incident occurred. Authorities were alerted by a flight attendant who reportedly observed the Japanese national viewing the illicit images on his laptop during an Air France flight. This crucial evidence led to his immediate arrest upon landing.
Following the judicial proceedings, the French court handed down an 18-month prison sentence to the 58-year-old Kageyama. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a fine of 5,000 euros (approximately $5,830 USD). The charges specifically related to the importation, copying, and possession of child pornography involving minors under the age of 15. The severe ruling also stipulated a 10-year ban from working with minors and a 10-year prohibition from entering French territory. His name will also be added to France’s national sex offender registry.
In response to the deeply disturbing news, the Japan Football Association swiftly released a statement. The JFA announced its immediate decision to terminate all contracts with Kageyama, citing the abhorrent nature of his actions in France. The organization further pledged its commitment to ensuring such reprehensible conduct does not recur among its officials, particularly concerning the safety and well-being of children.
During his court appearance, Kageyama claimed the images he viewed were AI-generated drawings. While admitting to viewing the material, he asserted he was unaware that such an act constituted a crime under French law. Prior to this incident, Kageyama held a respected position within Japanese football, having worked with the national team, served as a sports educator, and coached numerous young players. His career included coaching roles at various professional clubs in Japan’s top league and a tenure as a coach for the Japan U20 national team.
