Japan's Kozo Tashima Enters FIFA Presidential Race Against Gianni Infantino

Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has announced his candidacy for the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March. The 68-year-old Japanese official is the second candidate to enter the race against incumbent Gianni Infantino ahead of the nomination deadline.

Tashima, who led the Japan Football Association from 2016 to 2024 and previously served on the FIFA Council, confirmed his decision on Thursday. In an official statement detailing his entry, Tashima stated: “With the full support of the JFA I have decided to declare my candidacy in the FIFA presidential election.” He added that he aims to share the values of sincerity, integrity, and high ethical standards long cultivated in Japanese football to contribute to the future of the sport worldwide.

The announcement makes Tashima the second challenger to declare a bid for the presidency, following former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega. Infantino, 56, is seeking a fourth and final term at the head of world football’s governing body. The incumbent had previously drawn criticism from several member associations over an aborted plan concerning World Cup commercial rights.

Despite the challenges, Infantino established a strong position when the Asian Football Confederation formally endorsed his candidacy last month. Infantino stated that he holds the backing of the vast majority of national member associations. Candidates wishing to enter the election have until November 18 to submit their declarations.

Written by Thomas Nussbaumer thomas.nussbaumer@alpineweekly.com