Suzuki played an important role in the delivery of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which Japan co-hosted with South Korea, having previously worked for the Organising Committees when the tournament was held in the United States in 1994 and France 1998. 

But, after nearly 30 years in football, a move to work in the Olympic Movement is a big departure.

"I am deeply honoured to be part of the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee," Suzuki said.

"I have enjoyed a long and rewarding journey in the world of football, but I am extremely excited about this new challenge.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games comprise the biggest international sporting events in the world, so I am dedicating myself 100 per cent toward realising the dream of Tokyo hosting the 2020 Games.

"Tokyo 2020 will embody the shared values of the Olympic Movement and the people of Japan, for whom friendship, excellence and respect is a way of life."

Suzuki (pictured), who is fluent in Japanese and English and also speaks French, Spanish and Portuguese, began his involvement with football as general secretary of the Nissan Football Club Corp. - currently Yokohama F. Marinos.

After nearly a decade, he joined the JFA and for the next 15 years strove to promote football in his home country.

Now he will be striving to promote Tokyo in a bid race against Baku, Doha, Istanbul and Madrid. 

Suzuki joins a Tokyo team that already includes Masa Takaya, the former communications director of the International Triathlon Union, and Ayano Egami, a Sydney 2000 silver medallist in synchronised swimming, who was appointed last month as head of online and social media.

"It is essential that our bid draws on the wisdom of people from diverse backgrounds," said Tsunekazu Takeda, the President of Tokyo 2020 and the Japanese Olympic Committee.

"Suzuki's passion and knowledge of sport are vital to what we represent.

"The appointment of another top sports administrator in our team reflects the level of world-class excellence which we will be providing for the Games.

"His presence immediately enhances Tokyo 2020's bid prowess, especially in terms of explaining to the world why Japan's vibrant capital is the ideal site for an inspiring Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020."

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