Headline: Kohzo Tashima to Challenge Gianni Infantino for FIFA Presidency
Fifa Council member Kohzo Tashima announced plans to run for the presidency of global football’s governing body, taking on incumbent Gianni Infantino. This information was reported by Japanese media on Thursday, following a meeting of the national soccer federation.
Tashima emerges as the first significant challenger to Infantino since the FIFA leader faced criticism in July over a proposal to allow private investors to buy stakes in future World Cup profits.
According to the Japanese newspaper Asahi, Tashima confirmed his candidacy for next March’s election, with the board members of the Japan Football Association (JFA) unanimously supporting him. The announcement was also covered by sports newspaper Nikkan Sports.
“I am grateful that I can make this announcement with the full support of the JFA,” Tashima stated.
“It’s not about winning or losing but about conveying to the world the honest, sound, and upright attitude that Japanese football has built. What FIFA needs now are these values that we have protected. I have decided to run in order to make this appeal to the world.”
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has emphasised the support he has (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)
Kohzo Tashima, 68, is a former player for the Japan national team and currently serves as an honorary president of the federation. He has been a member of FIFA’s ruling committee since 2015, following the presidency of Sepp Blatter.
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Recognized for his diplomatic and low-key approach, Tashima has established a reputation as a respected figure in football politics. Candidates for the FIFA presidency must receive formal backing from five of FIFA’s 211 member federations, who will cast their votes on March 18 in Rabat, Morocco. Applicants must also undergo an eligibility review by a three-person panel designated by FIFA.
This is not Japan’s first instance of opposing Infantino’s leadership; just last week, the vice president of the country’s football association, Takeshi Okada, stepped down, citing significant disagreements related to this year’s World Cup and its impact on sporting integrity.
Japan is not alone in this opposition, as the European governing body, Uefa, is also reportedly seeking candidates to contend against Infantino ahead of the November 18 deadline to enter the race.
