Japan’s Tashima joins FIFA presidential race

Kozo Tashima became president of the Japan Football Association in 2016 Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Japan Football Association honorary president, Kozo Tashima, has announced his intention to contest the FIFA presidential election, setting up a potential challenge to incumbent Gianni Infantino.

Tashima, 68, is a member of the FIFA Council and a former international footballer and coach.

His decision to enter the race has received the backing of the JFA, adding a new contender to the growing list of candidates seeking to lead world football.

As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, announcing his decision, he said he wanted to promote the values of integrity, soundness and high moral standards that Japanese football had upheld over the years.

“I have decided to run for FIFA presidential election in order to convey this philosophy to the world and contribute to a better future for football,” he said.

He added that he would draw on his experience to contribute to the further development of the global game.

JFA president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto described the decision as a major challenge aimed at contributing to world football through Tashima’s experience and knowledge.

Tashima’s announcement comes amid scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership following controversy surrounding the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, which reportedly involved selling stakes in World Cup commercial interests to private investors.

The proposal was abandoned in July following significant opposition from across the football community.

Despite the controversy, Infantino has continued to consolidate support ahead of the election. Last month, he told BBC Sport that he had the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.

His position was further strengthened after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) formally endorsed his bid for another term, following a change in position by its president, Sheikh Salman.

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega was the first candidate to announce his intention to contest next year’s election in October.

However, Tashima’s entry, backed by the JFA, introduces another challenger to Infantino as the race gathers momentum.

All candidates seeking the FIFA presidency must secure the support of at least five FIFA member associations, while the deadline for nominations is November 18.