Japan FA official Kozo Tashima to challenge Infantino for FIFA presidency
The 68-year-old FIFA Council member 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. According to Al Jazeera, Tashima is the second person to declare a challenge to Infantino, following former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega.
Tashima, who served as JFA president from 2016 to 2024, stated that he is running to share the principles of sincerity, integrity and high ethical standards valued by Japanese football with the global community. He said he intends to use his experience to contribute to the development of world football.
The 68-year-old has been a member of the FIFA Council since 2015. Sportstar reported that board members of the JFA unanimously agreed to back his candidacy following a meeting of the national federation.
Incumbent Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election to a fourth and final term. While Infantino previously faced criticism regarding a plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors, he stated 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 pass an eligibility check by a three-member panel and secure formal support from five of the 211 member federations. The deadline for candidates to declare is November 18, with the vote scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.
