Sports · Football · 1 hr ago
Takeshi Okada resigns as JFA vice-president over World Cup response
Takeshi Okada resigned as vice-president of Japan’s football association on October 24, the JFA announced on October 28.
He said the JFA’s handling of World Cup matters conflicted with his beliefs that sport should uphold high standards.
The dispute concerns the FIFA World Cup, but the JFA’s announcement did not detail which actions led to his decision.
Okada understood the practical reasons for aligning with the Asian Football Confederation, while saying he could not accept the approach as a sportsman.
He had served as vice-president since March 2016 and said he was sorry to leave before his term ended.
The JFA has announced the resignation, but no further steps were given.
Takeshi Okada resigned as vice-president of the Japan Football Association over its response to the FIFA World Cup.
He said the response was far removed from his belief that sport should be noble and that he could not accept it as a sportsman.
Okada said he understood there were practical reasons for aligning with the Asian Football Confederation.
His resignation took effect on October 24 and was announced by the JFA on October 28.
Okada had served as vice-president since March 2016.
- Who
- Takeshi Okada, vice-president of the Japan Football Association.
- What
- He resigned over the JFA’s response to the FIFA World Cup.
- When
- His resignation took effect on October 24, 2026, and the JFA announced it on October 28.
- Where
- Japan; the JFA made the announcement.
- Why
- Okada said the response conflicted with his belief that sport should be noble, and that he could not accept it as a sportsman.
Takeshi Okada
Japan Football Association
World Cup response
Takeshi Okada
Okada said the JFA’s response was far removed from his beliefs about sport and that he could not accept it.
Japan Football Association
The JFA’s stated direction was to align with the Asian Football Confederation; Okada said he understood there were practical reasons for this.
Okada began serving as JFA vice-president.
Okada’s resignation as vice-president took effect.
The JFA announced Okada’s resignation.
- Resigning official
- Takeshi Okada
- Position
- JFA vice-president
- Resignation effective
- October 24, 2026
- Announcement
- October 28, 2026
- Service began
- March 2016
4 sources
What people are saying
Sport should be noble.
I could not accept it as a sportsman, and this led to my decision.
I understand that there are practical reasons for aligning with the Asian Football Confederation.