Kozo Tashima announces challenge to Infantino for FIFA presidency

Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has announced his intention to challenge Gianni Infantino in March’s FIFA presidential election, the Guardian reported on Thursday. The former Japan international becomes the second person to declare a challenge before the 18 November deadline, joining former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega in seeking to contest the presidency.

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Candidates need support from at least five of FIFA’s 211 member associations to secure a place on the ballot in Rabat. The Guardian reported that it remained unclear whether Vega had obtained that backing. It expected Tashima to secure the necessary nominations, although announcing a candidacy and satisfying the requirements for the ballot are separate steps in the election process.

Tashima told Japanese newspaper Sports Nippon that he had the full support of the Japan Football Association. In remarks relayed by the Guardian, he presented the decision as an opportunity to promote the values developed within Japanese football. He emphasised integrity and sound conduct, saying that communicating those principles internationally, rather than simply winning or losing, was central to his decision to run.

The announcement follows last month’s Asian Football Confederation congress in Tokyo, where Tashima held discussions with UEFA officials. According to the Guardian, he is understood to have launched his challenge with UEFA’s blessing. The European governing body has opposed Infantino following his unsuccessful attempt during the summer to sell a 20% share of FIFA’s commercial rights.

The AFC leadership has taken a different position. Its president, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, publicly endorsed Infantino at the conclusion of the Tokyo congress. The Guardian described that endorsement as a reversal from his earlier alignment with UEFA and Concacaf in efforts to remove the incumbent. Concacaf represents football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Infantino is seeking a fourth term and needs 106 votes to win re-election. The Guardian reported that he retains backing from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as from Africa and South America. Other challengers could still emerge before nominations close, leaving the eventual field unsettled despite Tashima’s declaration.