Ozeki Asanoyama¡¯s punishment for breaching the Japan Sumo Association¡¯s COVID-19 protocols is expected to be handed down within the next few days.
Although a final ruling is yet to be confirmed, sources close to JSA decision-makers say the Takasago stable man appears set to escape with a suspension rather than being forced to retire.
If Asanoyama somehow manages to avoid being kicked out of the sport after denying ¡ª then later admitting ¡ª that he had dined out at a hostess bar, it would be a further sign of changing attitudes within sumo.
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