Japan FA official Kozo Tashima to challenge Infantino for FIFA presidency

Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, announced on Thursday that he will stand against Gianni Infantino in FIFA's presidential election in March. He is the second person to declare a challenge to the incumbent, after former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega.

Tashima, 68, has served on the FIFA Council and was JFA president from 2016 to 2024. In a statement, he said he had decided to declare his candidacy with the full support of the JFA. He said he believed it was important that the sincerity, integrity and high ethical standards Japanese football has long valued be clearly communicated to the global football community. He added that he wanted to share those principles with the world and contribute to a better future for football. Drawing on his experience, he said he would take on the challenge with firm resolve to help develop world football further.

Election deadline and incumbent

Candidates have until November 18 to declare for the election. Incumbent Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election to a fourth and final term as FIFA president. He had faced stinging criticism and calls to quit after his aborted World Cup selloff plan. However, Infantino is now in a strong position to secure re-election after the Asian Football Confederation endorsed the 56-year-old last month. Infantino earlier said he had the backing of the vast majority of member associations and dismissed calls for him to go.

Source: Al Jazeera.