Japan is considering leaving the AFC.

UTV (Iraq) reported that the Japan Football Association (JFA) is considering withdrawing from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) due to dissatisfaction with the organization's recent policies and decisions.

Japan is the flagbearer of Asian football.

Sources indicate that the JFA is particularly unhappy with the AFC's change to the format of the AFC Champions League Elite, the continent's top club competition, by moving it to a centralized location in Saudi Arabia. This decision, along with controversial rulings affecting Vissel Kobe, has led the Japanese side to believe that the AFC has acted "unfairly and without transparency."

Furthermore, the JFA is also reportedly upset by allegations of corruption within the AFC and believes these issues are undermining the reputation of Asian football.

According to UTV , in this context, the JFA is promoting plans to establish a new football alliance in the East Asian region, possibly called the East Asian Football Union or a similar structure. This alliance is expected to include Japan, South Korea, North Korea, and China, while also extending invitations to several Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore, as well as football nations in Oceania such as Australia and New Zealand.

If this information turns out to be true, it would be a major shock to the AFC, as Japan is currently one of the most influential countries in Asian football – in terms of achievements, finances, and brand. An “East Asian alliance” led by Tokyo would not only reshape the Asian football map but could also usher in a new and turbulent era in the power structure of regional football.

Source: https://znews.vn/nhat-ban-can-nhac-roi-afc-post1594791.html