JFA appoints Ogura as new president

Published Jul. 25, 2010 8:31 a.m. ET

foxsports

Junji Ogura is the new president of the Japan Football Association.

The former JFA vice president is a member of FIFA's executive committee and takes over from Motoaki Inukai.

Ogura officially takes up the post at the end of July. Inukai steps down after a two-year term and is chairman of the bid committee trying to bring the 2022 World Cup to Japan.

The 71-year-old Ogura received the FIFA Order of Merit in June for his contribution to football.

Inukai was often critical of Japan's national team but stood by coach Takeshi Okada in the buildup to the World Cup, where Japan surprised many by reaching the second round.