One of Japan's biggest universities has officially decided to disband its American football team. This comes after four members were involved in a scandal stemming from the possession of illegal drugs.

Nihon University held an extraordinary board meeting on Friday.

Sources say team representatives requested the board to allow members not involved in the scandal to continue playing.

But after three hours of discussions, the board opted to disband the team.

The scandal began in August when a player was arrested on suspicion of hiding marijuana and a stimulant drug in a student dormitory.

Two other team members were later arrested, and another had his documents sent to prosecutors.

Nihon University closed the dormitory in August and suspended team activities indefinitely.

A current member of the team said, "It's too bad. It's a decision nobody wanted so it really is disappointing. I'm angriest at the people who smoked. I joined the team to win the national title. I lost the place where I felt I belonged. I'm very sad."

The team, founded in 1940, was known as the Phoenix and was a pioneering force for American football in Japan.

The university says it will provide training facilities for the remaining players so they can continue to practice while they decide on their futures.

It also says it will eventually consider restarting the team, but it will be at least five years before it is competing in the top league again.