Overview
- The Japan Football Association announced a 23-player U-23 roster for the Jan. 6 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, including senior-capped Ryu Sato (FC Tokyo) and Ozeki (Kawasaki).
- A 5-year-old boy was caught in an escalator mechanism connecting the parking area and center house at Otaru’s Asarigawa Onsen ski resort and was transported to hospital unconscious, according to local reports.
- Tunisia lost 2–3 to Nigeria in Fez on Dec. 27 to move to 1–1 in African Cup Group C, with Nigeria securing advancement to the knockout stage.
- IBF flyweight champion Masamichi Yabuki said he felt relieved after a KO win sealed his first title defense, speaking at a post-fight news conference the following day.
- Germany’s Katharina Schmidt, a two-time Olympic silver medalist in women’s ski jumping, announced on Dec. 27 that she will retire after this season.