Former Samurai Blue captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto assumed the post of Japan Football Association president Saturday for a two-year term.

The 47-year-old became the JFA's 15th president and first with playing experience at the World Cup or the J-League, succeeding Kozo Tashima.

Newly appointed Japan Football Association President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on March 23, 2024. (Kyodo)

"There are things I can't do by myself," Miyamoto said at a press conference. "I want to improve Japanese football further by involving many people."

Former Gamba Osaka, Red Bull Salzburg and Vissel Kobe defender Miyamoto played for Japan at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

Miyamoto will continue to pursue the JFA's goal of having the men's national team win the FIFA World Cup by 2050 while aiming to host the Women's World Cup in 2031.

He managed Gamba between 2018 and 2021 before becoming a JFA Executive Committee member in 2022 and general secretary last year.


Related coverage:

Football: Japan, North Korea not to play scheduled World Cup qualifier

Football: Tanaka reasserts presence to keep Endo, Morita on toes

Football: Japan battle past North Korea to mark positive restart