The Japan Football Association on Friday took a stand against former Japan head coach Vahid Halilhodzic's claim that it defamed him in a press conference following his dismissal just two months before the World Cup finals.At the first hearing in the suit filed with the Tokyo District Court, the JFA contested the complaint by Halilhodzic that it damaged his reputation and gave a negative impression of his personality. Halilhodzic is seeking a public apology and 1 yen (about 1 cent) in symbolic compensation.At a press conference held on April 9, two days after the dismissal, JFA Chairman Kozo…READ FULL ARTICLE