The Japan Football Association said Monday the womens team sat in business on the way home because they won a medal.

No. I recall the real reason is the anger of the media and critics who complained loudly. A representative of a London-based group was interviewed by BBC. They basically embarrassed the JFA in front of the world to force it to behave fairly.

A good parable for Japan overall. If you want to see improvements in this status-quo loving nation, then you gotta complain loudly.

The Olympic women's final between Japan and America was exciting. As usual Japan had heart in the game. Getting to the final was more than just excellent sportsmanship. As a neutral soccer lover and solid follower, I always cheer for the Nadeshiko soccer team . They are are thrilling, resilient, unselfish and successful. Although they are smaller in size than their competitors, they excelled in technique. Unfortunately losing was not an option for the American team and redemption was their goal. There desire, intention and commitment created a strong will and they won. However both teams will become stronger because of their experience for these exceptional players. I wish the captain, Sawa lots of luck as she moves on and maybe the Japanese men's soccer team should fly home on the economy class. After all they lost. No excuses. South Korea men's soccer team was better.

The JFA said the men’s under-23 Olympic team members, who failed to win a medal, flew in business class to London because they are professionals.

And the women are somehow...not? I guess being world champions and all just doesn't cut it anymore...Seriously JFA? Seriously?

The JFA said the men’s under-23 Olympic team members, who failed to win a medal, flew in business class to London because they are professionals.

Nonsense. Last I looked, after the World Cup, it was the women who I say plastered all over everything, not the men. What kind of men sit in business class and let the women sit in economy class? Sorry, this man believes in being a gentleman towards women.

If I had my way I would have sent the men back by boat.

Looks like the Australian women's basketball team got the same treatment, even though they've complained about it before

http://www.smh.com.au/olympics/news-london-2012/tricky-business-as-female-athletes-cry-foul-over-travel-20120719-22d6g.html

Same for the Aus women's soccer and cricket teams.

I imagine with basketball players, the size argument would be difficult to sell....

Did the men still get to return business or were they downgraded? Probably upgraded to 1st...

Gee talk about lousy from the outset. All Olympians train for peak performance and should be put in 1st class there and back to be able to maintain that peak. The national carriers should send the qualifying athletes for free in the first place. Imagine the publicity for the airline if an athlete got DVT on the way as opposed to them being able to boast The Airline Of Athletes.

So, this article did not address the obvious: did the men ride back in economy?

because they are professionals.

If they are professional, they should pay their own ticket as professional expense. Then, the Olympic games are supposed to be non-professionals. Now, with all the public money spent (wasted ?) on those games, years of athlete trainings... the cost of upgrade is peanuts. All the States with common sense would fly their athletes on the way to the game in the best comfort (sleeping class) so they arrive in the best conditions to get medals. For the way back, they can make them take the bus, the ferry, whatever...

The national carriers should send the qualifying athletes for free in the first place.

I agree, particularly in the case it's a company that has been helped by the taxpayers. They benefit from national athlete participation as the more athletes, the more supporters make the same trip and buy tickets at inflated rate.

The JFA said the men’s under-23 Olympic team members, who failed to win a medal, flew in business class to London because they are professionals.

The women outplayed the men, they did what the men couldn't do..win a medal! So they have to be embarrassed and humiliated because of a title or more importantly: gender??? The JFA and Japan as a whole need to grow up! This is 2012, not 1920! These women should get pampered once they settle in, Yes, I rooted for the US, but that game, by far was one of the best events to watch during the Olympics and the Japanese team played the best, standing toe to toe with the number#1 team in the world. I have nothing but respect for these women and everyone else too!

sat in business on the way home because they won a medal

So if they lost they would of flown in economy? Ridiculous.

All those representing their country should of been upgraded. I fault not only the Japan Olympic Committee but the sponsors and the airlines for not stepping up to the plate as well.

Might have won gold if they had flown over in business.