Jun Fukuda Leaves FC Ulaanbaatar for Laotian Champions

FC Ulaanbaatar has confirmed reports out of Laos that head coach Jun Fukuda has departed the club after four years at the helm to manage Loatian champions Lao Toyota FC.

The Japanese coach took over at the club prior to its 2018 AFC Cup qualifying play-off matches against Boeung Ket Angkor FC of Cambodia which were played over the last week. After drawing the first match 3-3, Lao Toyota were defeated 0-1 at home and were eliminated on aggregate score.

Prior to joining the Loatian club, Fukuda led Ulaanbaatar FC to mostly mixed results. However, the club finished runners-up in both the league and cup for the 2015 season.

Fukuda's final season at the helm resulted in a series of highs and lows also. Although the team advanced to the MFF Cup final before ultimately falling to Ulaanbaatar City FC 2-4, it only barely escaped relegation to the Mongolia 1st league. The club finished just two points out of the relegation zone.

Fukuda's signing is the second time this offseason that Lao Toyota has looked to Mongolia for new signings after signing Japanese defender Eisuke Mohri from Athletic 220 FC in November.

FC Ulaanbaatar has not yet named Fukuda's replacement.