Japan FA official Kozo Tashima to challenge Infantino for FIFA presidency
The 68-year-old Tashima announced his candidacy on Thursday with the support of the Japan Football Association.
Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), announced on Thursday that he will run against Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election in March. Tashima is a FIFA Council member and former JFA president who served from 2016 to 2024.
According to Al Jazeera, Tashima is the second person to declare a challenge to Infantino, following former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega. The JFA board members unanimously agreed to back his candidacy, as reported by Sportstar.
Tashima stated that he decided to run to communicate the sincerity, integrity and high ethical standards of Japanese football to the global community. He said he intends to share these principles to contribute to a better future for football and the development of the sport.
Incumbent Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election to a fourth and final term. While Infantino has faced criticism regarding a plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors, he said he has the backing of the vast majority of member associations. The Asian Football Confederation endorsed the 56-year-old last month.
Candidates for the election must have formal support from five of the 211 FIFA member federations and pass an eligibility check by a three-member panel. The deadline for candidates to declare is November 18, with the vote scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.