Resignation in Japan over 'Infantino's fault'

JFA vice-president Takeshi Okada resigned over disagreement with AFC's support for Infantino's FIFA re-election bid, citing conflict with his principles on sports integrity.

Takeshi Okada, vice-president of the Japan Football Association, announced his resignation on Wednesday in protest at the Asian Football Confederation's recent backing of Gianni Infantino's candidacy for another term as FIFA president.

Okada's departure follows the AFC's Friday endorsement of Infantino, a position that contrasts sharply with the AFC's earlier criticism—alongside European and North American bodies—of Infantino's proposal to open FIFA's most prestigious competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.

Okada, who managed Japan at the 1998 and 2010 World Cups, said the controversies are incompatible with his personal convictions. "Throughout my career, I have placed great importance on the social value of sport, convinced it should be practised with integrity," he stated. He added that he cannot accept the gap between his principles and the AFC's recent positions. Okada emphasized his decision was carefully considered and made on his own initiative, though he did not explicitly name the AFC's support as the direct cause.