Kozo Tashima, who led the Japan Football Association from 2016 to 2024, has entered the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March. He joins former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega as the second official challenger seeking to unseat Gianni Infantino. While Infantino faces criticism over an aborted World Cup selloff plan, he maintains that most member associations still support his fourth and final term bid. Furthermore, Infantino secured an endorsement from the Asian Football Confederation last month, bolstering his incumbent position.
Key points
The upcoming FIFA presidential election in March will feature multiple candidates challen…: The upcoming FIFA presidential election in March will feature multiple candidates challenging the incumbent.
Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election for a fourth and final term despite past resignat…: Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election for a fourth and final term despite past resignation calls.
An endorsement from the Asian Football Confederation leaves Infantino in a strong positio…: An endorsement from the Asian Football Confederation leaves Infantino in a strong position against challengers.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Kozo Tashima second person to declare he will challenge Infantino, after former Spurs defender Ramon Vega.
Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, said on Thursday he will stand against Gianni Infantino in FIFA’s presidential election in March.
Tashima is the second person to declare he will challenge Infantino, following former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega.
The 68-year-old Tashima, who has served on the FIFA Council, said in a statement: “With the full support of the JFA I have decided to declare my candidacy in the FIFA presidential election.
“I believe it is important that the sincerity, integrity and high ethical standards that Japanese football has long valued and built up are clearly communicated to the global football community.
“In order to share these principles with the world and contribute to a better future for football, I have decided to run in the FIFA presidential election.”
Tashima, who was JFA president from 2016 to 2024, added, “Drawing on the experience I have gained over the years, I will take on this challenge with firm resolve so that I can…
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