Japan’s Tashima Enters Race to Challenge FIFA President Infantino
The move forces the incumbent to face a formal opponent ahead of the March vote in Morocco, ending a period where he faced no serious rivals.
By Andrew Kovalenko ·
Gianni Infantino will face a formal challenge in the upcoming FIFA presidential election, with Japan’s Kohzo Tashima announcing his candidacy. Japanese media reported on Thursday that Tashima intends to run against the incumbent, marking the first serious opposition to emerge since Infantino’s July proposal to sell stakes in World Cup profits sparked a global backlash.
Tashima, a FIFA council member since 2015, made the announcement after a meeting of the Japan Football Association. The association’s board members unanimously agreed to support his bid. He is the first rival to enter the race ahead of the November 18 deadline for candidates to secure formal backing from five of FIFA’s 211 member federations.
“The worst thing that can happen is he (Infantino) is re-elected to the post without an election,” Tashima told Nikkei, a business newspaper. He added in remarks to Sponichi Annex that the goal is not merely to win or lose, but to demonstrate a sincere and noble approach to world soccer politics.
The candidacy comes amid a crisis for Infantino’s 11-year tenure. The FIFA leader’s plan to attract private investors to future World Cup profits was abandoned within days of its announcement. The proposal drew sharp criticism from soccer leaders in Europe, Asia, and North America, as well as from FIFA staff members.
Scrutiny of Infantino has also increased over disciplinary decisions in World Cup matches involving prominent players. Cases included those of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, United States forward Folarin Balogun, and Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. These issues have intensified calls for leadership change within the international soccer community.
Japan’s position in global soccer politics has shifted recently. The Japan Football Association announced last week that vice president Takeshi Okada resigned over the internal politics surrounding Infantino’s support base. Okada coached the Japanese national team at the 1998 and 2010 World Cups.
Tashima, a 68-year-old former midfielder and former Japan Football Association president, has served on FIFA’s ruling committee since the presidency of Sepp Blatter. He is described by colleagues as a diplomatic and low-profile official. He is currently a rival to Infantino, who has been president since 2016.
Under FIFA rules, candidates must pass an eligibility check by a three-member panel appointed by the federation. This decision can be challenged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The general assembly vote is scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.
Infantino’s pursuit of a fourth term until 2031 has drawn legal and political questions. FIFA statutes limit presidents to three full terms, totaling 12 years. However, internal legal advice in 2022 determined that his initial term from 2016 to 2019, which completed the mandate of former president Sepp Blatter, should not count toward the 12-year limit.
European soccer body UEFA has been working to identify candidates to challenge Infantino. It was unclear on Thursday whether Tashima holds a formal endorsement from UEFA. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin compared Infantino to the emperor with no clothes in September, stating that football has no need for emperors. The Japan Football Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tashima’s campaign.
