FIFA politics prompt Japan coach Okada to resign from federation

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 15:12 · Archive

Two-time World Cup coach Takeshi Okada has resigned as Japanese soccer federation vice president in protest at FIFA politics surrounding Gianni Infantino's re-election campaign.

Takeshi Okada, a two-time World Cup coach, resigned as vice president of the Japanese soccer federation on Saturday in protest at FIFA politics surrounding Gianni Infantino's re-election campaign. Japan's soccer body published his resignation statement on Wednesday, one day after the Asian Football Confederation performed a U-turn by publicly supporting Infantino, who seeks a fourth and final presidential term.

Infantino has faced a backlash since July over his failed World Cup sell-off plan and broader management style, including ties to U.S. President Donald Trump. This has provoked criticism from soccer leaders in Europe, North America and initially in Asia.

Okada, 70, wrote that he believed 'sports should embody integrity', but said 'the series of actions surrounding this year's FIFA World Cup represent a significant divergence from my personal convictions'. He acknowledged the complexity of Japan's position in FIFA and Asian soccer politics, saying he understood 'there are practical reasons for aligning with the AFC's stance'. Japan wants to host the men's World Cup before 2050.

How it is being reported

• FIFA politics around Infantino re-election push Japanese official to resignTwo-time World Cup coach Takeshi Okada has resigned as Japanese soccer federation vice president in protest at the politics around FIFA during Gianni Infantino’s campaign to be re-elected.News4Jax · 28 Oct, 14:18
• FIFA politics around Infantino re-election push Japanese official to resignTwo-time World Cup coach Takeshi Okada has resigned as Japanese soccer federation vice president in protest at the politics around FIFA during Gianni Infantino’s campaign to be re-elected.Clickorlando · 28 Oct, 14:18

In this story: Takeshi Okada · Gianni Infantino · FIFA · Japanese soccer federation · Asian Football Confederation · Japan

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