"I am deeply sorry for the trouble I have caused," the firebrand Mongolian told a news conference.

"I did something wrong. I will do my best not to stray from the path again."

Asashoryu was banned in August and fled to his homeland after after he was caught on video heading a ball into a goal while supposedly out of action with a back injury.

That outraged the fans of a sport where ritual and respect for tradition is almost as important as who wins the brief bouts between the nearly naked giants in the sumo ring.

The 150 kg (330 lb) wrestler was banned for two tournaments, triggering clinical depression and a trip home to Mongolia to recuperate.