The challenge comes amid growing discontent over the incumbent's recent attempt to sell off key tournament commercial rights to private investors. By entering the race with his home federation's backing, the veteran Japanese administrator aims to reshape the governing body's leadership and restore institutional transparency. To formalize his bid ahead of the March vote, he must satisfy specific nomination thresholds and clear standard vetting protocols. A former national team player, the 68-year-old official brings nearly a decade of experience from within the organization's ruling council.
Key points
Hopefuls must secure nominations from a minimum of five member associations to qualify fo…: Hopefuls must secure nominations from a minimum of five member associations to qualify for the ballot.
Candidates must successfully pass an official eligibility evaluation overseen by a design…: Candidates must successfully pass an official eligibility evaluation overseen by a designated three-member panel.
The leadership battle presents a direct contest between the incumbent and a diplomatic go…: The leadership battle presents a direct contest between the incumbent and a diplomatic governance veteran backed by the Japan Football Association.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
The Japan Football Association president, Kozo Tashima, has said he will run for the Fifa presidency in March.
Gianni Infantino, who is seeking re-election, has faced opposition since his failed move in July to bring private investors into a new Fifa commercial entity holding rights linked to competitions including the World Cup.
Tashima told Sports Nippon: “I am grateful that I can make this announcement with the full support of the JFA. 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.”
The 68-year-old Tashima is a former Japan player who has been on Fifa’s ruling committee since 2015, when Sepp Blatter was president. He has a reputation as a respected, diplomatic and low-profile official in the often murky world of football politics.
Candidates need formal support from five of Fifa’s 211 member federations, who will vote on 18 March in Rabat,…
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