Headline: Japan Football Association Vice-President Takeshi Okada Resigns Amid World Cup Controversy
The Japan Football Association (JFA) has announced the resignation of its vice-president, Takeshi Okada, amid ongoing controversy pertaining to this year’s World Cup. Okada’s departure follows the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) endorsing FIFA President Gianni Infantino just one week prior.
Infantino attended an extraordinary congress meeting of the AFC in Tokyo last Friday, where he publicly expressed his support for the re-election of the FIFA president, embracing AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa in a warm display before the assembly.
This change in the AFC’s position marks a significant shift from two months ago when the organization criticized Infantino for what it termed a “fundamental breach of trust,” stemming from his unsuccessful attempt to attract private investment in World Cup stakes.
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, chief of Japan’s football federation, suggested that not all AFC members endorsed the confederation’s backing of Infantino, leading Okada—who previously coached the Japanese national team—to step down.
“Guided by my belief that sports should embody integrity, I have always valued their social significance,” Okada stated on the JFA website. He expressed that the recent developments surrounding the FIFA World Cup diverge significantly from his personal values, prompting his resignation.
Last summer’s tournaments were also troubled by a scandal involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, whose red card was rescinded following a request from former President Donald Trump.
Gianni Infantino, having served as FIFA president since 2016, aims for re-election in March 2027, despite the controversies surrounding the World Cup and his prior investment endeavor. Support from Asian federations may play a crucial role in his upcoming campaign.
Okada noted, “Given the relationship with the Asian Football Confederation and the impact on Japanese soccer, I understand that there are practical reasons for aligning with the AFC’s stance.”
Having led Japan at the 1998 and 2010 World Cups, where he guided the team to the last 16 in South Africa, Okada’s resignation signals growing discontent within the Asian football community towards Infantino’s leadership. Only the Jordan FA has publicly opposed the FIFA president, with its leader, Prince Ali bin Hussein, recently criticizing Infantino for allegedly using political maneuvering during the AFC Congress.
Responding to the former Jordan FA president’s accusations of coercion during the congress, the AFC has denied any claims of threats or bribery, referring any allegations to its judicial bodies.
