The Japan Football Association has informed FIFA of its opposition to holding the World Cup every two years, JFA President Kozo Tashima said Friday.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has endorsed a proposal to stage international soccer's showcase tournament every two years, instead of the current four, but Tashima said Japan would not back such a change.
"At this moment, we can't agree to it," Tashima said during an online interview, adding he had communicated the JFA's position in writing to both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.
The proposed reorganization of the calendar threatens to significantly reduce the number of international friendly matches hosted by Japan, an important revenue source for the JFA.
Soccer's world governing body has so far not outlined any compensation for member nations facing a loss of such income. It will hold a meeting on Dec. 20 to discuss the proposed change.
The proposal for a two-year World Cup cycle has been met with strong criticism, including from European soccer's powerful governing body, UEFA, but a large majority of FIFA member associations supported a study into the feasibility of a biennial tournament.
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