Takeshi Okada has resigned from his position as vice-president of the Japan Football Association, saying his departure took effect on October 24. He said recent actions surrounding the FIFA World Cup had created a significant gap between his beliefs and the actions taken.
Okada sets out his decision
Takeshi Okada said: "I have decided to resign from my position as vice-president."
Okada said: "I have always believed that sports should be noble and have cherished their social value. However, the recent actions surrounding the FIFA World Cup have created a significant gap between my beliefs and the actions taken, and as a sportsman, I could not accept them, which led me to this decision."
His view on the AFC position
Okada acknowledged that there was a strategic necessity for Japan to stay aligned with the AFC, but insisted he could not take part in it personally. He said: "I understand that there are practical reasons for aligning with the AFC and its impact on Japanese football, given our relationship with the AFC."
GOAL reported that the Asian Football Confederation recently held an extraordinary congress in Tokyo where they reiterated support for FIFA leadership.
AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said the continent's "unity is our greatest strength" and that they are ready to move forward with Infantino.
Response inside the JFA
GOAL reported that JFA president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto viewed the AFC's support for Infantino as the baseline for Japan's own operations.
GOAL reported that Miyamoto respected Okada's decision to leave mid-term but indicated that the JFA must prioritize its relationships within the confederation.
Term and apology
GOAL reported that Okada's tenure as JFA vice-president began in March 2016.
Okada said: "I am very sorry to be stepping down from my position before the end of my term, but I hope you will understand that this is a decision I have made after careful consideration."