Japan Vice President Takeshi Okada Resigns After AFC Backs Infantino

Takeshi Okada, vice president of the Japan Football Association, announced his resignation on Tuesday. He stated that the JFA's handling of recent controversies surrounding the World Cup conflicted with his personal principles regarding the integrity of sport.

The departure comes one week after the Asian Football Confederation publicly aligned itself with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, the AFC president, confirmed the region's support for Infantino's re-election bid during a meeting held in Tokyo. This decision marked a sharp reversal in the AFC's position, as the body had previously joined European and North American counterparts in criticizing Infantino.

The tension between Asian football and Infantino escalated over his proposal to open FIFA's premium competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, faced calls to step down and lost the backing of several associations in his bid for a fourth term. He recently apologized for the failed private investment project.

Two months prior to the Tokyo meeting, the AFC, alongside UEFA and CONCACAF, issued a joint letter declaring that football belongs to no individual. That statement signaled a potential break between the Asian confederation and the FIFA chief. Sheikh Salman and the AFC subsequently signaled they could turn on Infantino before ultimately deciding to support his candidacy.

Okada, who coached Japan at the World Cup in 1998 and 2010, described his decision as entirely voluntary and the result of careful deliberation. He noted a significant gap between the JFA's responses and his own beliefs. "As a sportsman I cannot accept them," he said regarding the recent events.

The vice president acknowledged the practical difficulties facing Japanese football given its relationship with the AFC. He stated that he understands the reasons for aligning the JFA's stance with that of the AFC. Infantino is currently running for re-election in March.

Okada's exit leaves two remaining vice presidents in the JFA leadership structure. The association did not immediately announce a search for a replacement. The resignation letter was released to the public on Tuesday, concluding his tenure in the role.