Japan FA vice-president resigns over Gianni Infantino concerns as Asia bloc fractures

Japan FA vice-president Takeshi Okada resigned citing World Cup controversies and concerns over Infantino's conduct, signalling fractures within Asia's united AFC endorsement.

Japan Football Association vice-president Takeshi Okada has resigned from his position, citing controversies surrounding this year's World Cup and apparent concerns over Fifa president Gianni Infantino's conduct. The resignation comes just one week after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) endorsed Infantino's re-election bid at an extraordinary congress in Tokyo.

Okada, Japan's former head coach who managed the national team at the 1998 and 2010 World Cups, said in a statement: "The series of actions surrounding this year's Fifa World Cup represent a significant divergence from my personal convictions. As a sportsman, I cannot accept this." He acknowledged the AFC's alignment with Infantino but stated he could not personally support the stance.

The resignation signals divisions within the Asian bloc. The AFC had previously criticised Infantino for a "fundamental breach of trust" over his failed attempt to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, before reversing course to endorse him. Jordan FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein remains the only confederation member to publicly oppose Infantino, accusing him of hijacking the AFC Congress and alleging coercion.