The ongoing 2021-22 V.League season will be the last foray of FC Tokyo in volleyball.
The organization announced on Wednesday that it will be shutting down its volleyball operations after the season.
“FC Tokyo Volleyball Team will suspend its activities as a team at the end of May 2022,” read the team’s statement.
“As a result of comprehensive consideration of changes in the surrounding business environment, the possibility of medium- to long-term business growth, and measures for commercialization and sophistication plans for the future of V League, it was decided we will suspend activities.”
FC Tokyo has been a fixture in Japanese football since 1934.
In 1948, Tokyo Gas decided to enter volleyball as well.
It was promoted to Division I status in 2009 after topping the V.Challenge.
During the last 10 years, the team’s highest finish was a runner-up finish in the 2011 Emperor’s Cup.
Last season, it finished in eighth place among the 10 Division I squads.
Currently, the Marck Espejo-led Tokyo team is holding a 4-10 record for eighth place.
“As with football, the volleyball team was able to be promoted to the top league in Japan with the great support of everyone. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has given us a great deal of support.”
