Japan appoints Zaccheroni as 2022 World Cup ambassador

By Andrew Warshaw

September 3 – The Japan 2022 Bid Committee has appointed Alberto Zaccheroni, the country’s new national coach, as its latest ambassador.

The former AC Milan and Juventus boss has just agreed to a two-year deal to succeed Takeshi Okada who took the Blue Samurai to the last 16 of the World Cup in South Africa.

Japan, who co-hosted 2002, are one of four Asian confederation nations bidding for 2022 and Zaccheroni has strong links with Europe whose votes will be crucial to whoever is granted the tournament on December 2.

“I’ve always had a lot of respect for Japan as a country,” he said.

“The warm welcome I’ve been given by the fans and people generally since I got here has only served to increase that.

“The Japan-hosted 2002 World Cup was a fantastic tournament – the level of organisation and the passion of the fans were quite exceptional.

“That’s the reason I’m confident that a World Cup hosted by Japan in 2022 would be something really and truly special.”

The 57-year-old Italian’s appointment brought to an end a two-month search for a new head coach.

Former Argentine manager Jose Pekerman was also in the frame to replace Okada who relinquished his post despite taking the country to within a penalty shootout of the last eight in South Africa.

Zaccheroni’s first task will be to lead the side at the Asian Cup in Qatar in January.

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