FC Imabari have announced the dismissal of manager Abel Mourelo.
Mourelo took charge at the start of the 2026/27 season and recorded one win, one draw and five defeats in the MEIJI YASUDA J2 LEAGUE through Matchweek 7.
Mourelo commented through the club:
“Yesterday, my time as manager of FC Imabari came to an end. I’m grateful to the supporters and the players. Everything we worked for had meaning because of you.”
On the same day, Imabari also announced the appointment of Yoshikiyo Kuboyama as their new manager.
Kuboyama had served as Imabari’s head coach since 2024.
Upon his appointment, Kuboyama commented:
“I’ve been appointed manager of FC Imabari. First of all, I’d like to thank Abel Mourelo for leading the team with fresh ideas and so much passion. We’re in a difficult position right now, but I know this team is capable of much more. What we need now is to show that on the pitch. We need to play on the front foot in both attack and defence, work tirelessly, win the ball back and attack with pace. That’s the Imabari way. I’ll give everything I have to this role, with determination and passion.
“To everyone in the Imabari family, even in the toughest moments you’ve never stopped getting behind us. The only way we can repay that support is by winning matches. I’m fully committed to turning this around, and we’ll do it together as a team. Please keep giving us your passionate support. Let’s make our passion heard — together!”
