Takeshi Okada, vice president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), has resigned from his position over disagreements concerning how recent controversies surrounding FIFA and the World Cup have been handled.
Okada, who coached Japan at the 1998 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, announced his decision after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressed support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election.
The development comes amid disagreements over Infantino’s proposed plan to open FIFA’s major competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors through a commercial project. The proposal attracted criticism from football governing bodies in Europe and North America before it was abandoned.
Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is seeking another term in office, with the election scheduled for March 2027.
Explaining his decision, Okada said the handling of the World Cup-related controversies conflicted with his personal principles and his belief in the integrity of sport.
He maintained that sport should uphold strong ethical values and contribute positively to society, adding that he could not accept the direction taken in addressing the issues.
The former Japan coach stressed that his resignation was entirely voluntary and followed careful consideration.
Okada also acknowledged the practical reasons behind the Japanese football authorities’ need to maintain a working relationship with the AFC. However, he indicated that the decisions taken in response to the controversy remained at odds with his convictions.
His departure comes at a sensitive time for international football, as Infantino works to secure another term amid questions from some football associations about his leadership and handling of the proposed investment initiative.
A joint statement previously issued by UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF had raised concerns over the proposal, stressing that football should not be controlled by any individual.
Okada’s resignation adds another dimension to the growing debate over governance, accountability and the future direction of world football.
