Okada resigns as AFC refers Prince Ali over Infantino claims
Japan FA vice-president Takeshi Okada has resigned over his concerns about FIFA’s conduct as the AFC moves to refer Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Hussein to its judicial bodies following his criticism of Gianni Infantino.
Japan Football Association vice-president Takeshi Okada has stepped down, citing a conflict between his beliefs about sporting integrity and the actions surrounding this year’s FIFA World Cup.His departure comes amid a growing dispute over the Asian Football Confederation’s endorsement of Gianni Infantino for re-election, with the AFC announcing that it will refer Jordan FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein to its judicial bodies over allegations concerning its congress.Okada said: “Guided by my belief that sports should embody integrity, I have always valued their social significance. However, the series of actions surrounding this year’s FIFA World Cup represent a significant divergence from my personal convictions. As a sportsman, I cannot accept this, which has led me to make this decision.”The former Japan national team coach acknowledged the practical considerations facing his association as it determines its position within Asian football.He added: “Given the relationship with the Asian Football Confederation and the impact on Japanese soccer, I understand that there are practical reasons for aligning with the AFC’s stance.”AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa endorsed Infantino at the confederation’s extraordinary congress in Tokyo on October 23, describing Asia as united behind the FIFA president.That backing marked a reversal from the AFC’s earlier criticism of Infantino over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which would have sold a stake in the commercial rights to FIFA competitions to private investors.Prince Ali challenged the account of Asian unity and accused Infantino of turning the congress into a political platform ahead of March’s presidential election.Writing after the meeting, Prince Ali said: “There were reports that Asia has a united position when it comes to electing the next FIFA President. In fact, nobody was allowed to speak, question, debate or talk with the media.“Lack of transparency leads to lack of accountability. No amount of coercion, threats or bribes should be allowed.”The AFC rejected his account, saying neither Prince Ali nor any other member association representative had requested to speak and denying that proceedings had been conducted improperly.The confederation said: “The AFC takes seriously the unsupported and entirely unsubstantiated allegations of coercion, threats or bribery. Such serious accusations must be supported by credible evidence and should not be made without a proper factual basis.“Accordingly, the AFC will refer the statements made by the President of the Jordan Football Association, including the allegations raised, to the relevant AFC judicial bodies for their consideration and any further action deemed appropriate in accordance with the AFC Statutes and applicable regulations.”The referral leaves any assessment or further action to those bodies and does not constitute a finding against Prince Ali.Japan FA president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto had already indicated that the confederation’s members were not necessarily aligned, while Jordan has explicitly ruled out supporting Infantino.The FIFA president is seeking another term in March 2027, with prospective challengers required to submit their nominations by November 18.