Former Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic has filed a suit Tokyo district court against the Japanese soccer association, saying his firing damaged his honor and reputation.

The Bosnian is asking for a written apology from JFA president Kozo Tashima and compensation of 1 yen — about 1 cent.

Halilhodzic was fired on April 7, two months before the World Cup in Russia, despite leading Japan to a berth in the tournament.

Halilhodzic's lawyer, Lionel Vincent, tells The Associated Press "the money involved is symbolic because money cannot buy a man's honor."

Halilhodzic contends he was unjustly fired and says the JFA did not follow its own rules in dismissing him.

The JFA replaced Halilhodzic with Japanese coach Akira Hishino. Japan plays in Colombia, Poland and Senegal in Group H in Russia.