Japan's honorary president Tashima Koji strongly opposed FIFA's plan to establish a subsidiary for World Cup operations on July 31. Tashima stated that commercial elements and external influences should not be allowed, emphasizing the need to protect the purity of the sport.
Tashima's comments
Tashima described FIFA's proposal as 'very regrettable.' He criticized the disregard for competition rules, such as the delayed application of red cards and extended halftime during the North and Central American World Cup. He also pointed out that the establishment of a subsidiary could prioritize profit-seeking, warning that 'decisions may be made for profit rather than for the sake of the competition.'
Impact on the Japanese national team
Currently, the Japanese national team is in second place in the World Cup with 5 points (1 win, 2 draws, 1 loss). Learning from the defeat against Brazil (2-1), they need to maintain a stance that protects technical purity. Tashima's remarks may also influence the improvement of the national team's performance.
UEFA's response
UEFA has opposed the subsidiary plan and announced a boycott of FIFA-hosted tournaments. Tashima also criticized the decision by majority vote, stating that 'I feel indignant about the decision by majority vote,' and called for democratic management of FIFA.
Future developments
FIFA's subsidiary plan is scheduled to be decided by a majority vote among 211 member associations. Tashima emphasized that 'FIFA must be a governing body that ensures the healthy growth of soccer loved around the world,' and it is necessary to keep an eye on the situation from the perspective of the Japanese national team.
