Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda, currently under investigation for alleged bribery related to Tokyo's bid for the 2020 Summer Games, was re-elected as vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia on Sunday.

Takeda, who did not attend the OCA's General Assembly in the Thai capital, was cleared by the council's Ethics Committee to continue in the position since proof of any wrongdoing has yet to be confirmed.

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, another figure embroiled in controversy, was also re-elected for an eighth term as OCA president.

"We don't have any doubt about Mr. Takeda," Sheikh Ahmad said. "We are always happy to have him with us."

The Kuwaiti stepped aside as president of the Association of National Olympic Committees in December following allegations of forgery in Switzerland.

The 71-year-old Takeda is being investigated by French authorities over some $2 million of payments made by Japan's bid committee in 2013 to the now-defunct Singapore-based consultancy Black Tidings, headed by Tan Tong Han.

Tan is known to be close to Papa Massata Diack, the son of Senegalese businessman Lamine Diack, who was a powerful member of the International Olympic Committee at the time. French investigators suspect the money paid by Japan's bid committee went to the son.

The corruption allegation has shocked Japan's sporting world with less than 18 months to go before the Olympics return to Tokyo for the first time since 1964.

While Takeda has denied any wrongdoing and said he will "solemnly work to clear suspicion," some have called for the JOC chief, now serving his 10th term since 2001, to resign.

Five OCA vice presidents are elected based on Asian regional zones, while six vice presidents hail from host countries of the Asian Games, Asian Winter Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Art Games, Asian Beach Games and Asian Youth Games.

Sapporo hosted the 2017 Asian Winter Games, while Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya will co-host the 2026 Asian Games, the first time for Japan to host the quadrennial since Hiroshima in 1994.