Ilhan the man in Japan

Two-year deal
The 28-year-old, who scored the golden goal that took Turkey into the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, has signed a two-year contract to become the record signing in J-League history. "My job here is to score goals for the team and to bring the club success," said Ilhan, who has left behind the chance of playing in the UEFA Cup with Besiktas JK.

Plenty of support
He added: "I hope I can bring excitement to the Kobe supporters at the same time." Ilhan already has a huge fan base in Japan following his World Cup exploits. After a presentation at the club's home ground tomorrow, he will return to his home in Germany to organise a work permit before joining his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp from 12-21 February.

Aggressive playing style
Ilhan, who has scored seven goals in 21 appearances for Turkey, was with Besiktas for three seasons after arriving in Istanbul from Samsunspor. Although a consistent goalscorer for Besiktas, his aggressive playing style earned him a poor disciplinary record.

Stadium ban
Back in Istanbul, the Turkish Football Association (TFF), has ordered Besiktas to play one Superleague match away from their Inönü stadium following crowd disturbances during the match with Samsunspor three weeks ago.

TFF fine
The game was abandoned after 85 minutes with Besiktas having been reduced to six men after five players were sent off. Besiktas fans threw objects on to the pitch and the episode earned the club a €600 fine from the TFF - a sum doubled after trouble at another match against Bursaspor.