Former Japan national team coach Takeshi Okada has resigned as vice president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), citing concerns over the political developments surrounding FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election.

The JFA published Okada’s resignation statement on Wednesday, dated October 25, a day after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) publicly announced its support for Infantino’s campaign for a fourth and final term as FIFA president in the March 2027 election.

Okada, who guided Japan at the 1998 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, expressed disagreement with the direction of international football governance and the circumstances surrounding this year’s World Cup.

“I believe that sports should embody integrity,” Okada said in his statement. Referring to recent developments, he added, “As a sportsman, I cannot accept this.”

The 70-year-old acknowledged the complexities of Japan’s position within Asian and global football politics, noting that he understood the practical considerations behind aligning with the AFC’s stance.

Infantino has faced criticism since July following a controversial proposal involving the sale of a permanent stake in World Cup profits to private investors, alongside concerns about his leadership style and relationship with US President Donald Trump.

The proposed $4.2 billion deal involved investors led by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka.

AFC Support Sparks Further Controversy

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa publicly backed Infantino last Friday, reversing earlier criticism of the FIFA chief. The confederation represents 46 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, which will vote in the presidential election scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.

Meanwhile, former FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan criticised the AFC’s position, describing its meeting as politically motivated. The AFC rejected his claims as unsubstantiated and referred his comments to its judicial officials for possible disciplinary action.

European football’s governing body UEFA has pledged to seek a challenger to Infantino before the November 18 nomination deadline, adding another dimension to the increasingly contentious election campaign.