Tashima runs for FIFA presidency

Kazuo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, announced his candidacy to challenge Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March in Rabat. Tashima became the second person to declare his intention to compete against Infantino, following former Swiss defender Ramon Vega.

In a statement, Tashima, 68, a former member of the FIFA Council, said, “With the full support of the Japan Football Association, I have decided to announce my candidacy for the FIFA presidency.” He added, “I believe it is important to convey the credibility, integrity, and high ethical standards that Japanese football has long upheld and built upon, to the global football community.” He continued, “In order to share these principles with the world and contribute to a better future for football, I have decided to run for the FIFA presidency.”

Tashima served as president of the Japan Football Association between 2016 and 2024. He stated, “Based on the experience I have gained over the years, I will take on this challenge with firm resolve so that I can contribute to further development of global football.”

The deadline for declaring candidacy for the election is the 18th of this month.

Infantino, who is seeking re-election for a fourth and final term as FIFA president, has faced sharp criticism and calls for his resignation following his canceled plan to sell World Cup broadcasting rights. However, the Swiss-Italian has now secured a strong position that enables him to ensure his re-election, after the Asian Football Confederation endorsed his candidacy last month.

Infantino had previously stated that he enjoys the support of the “overwhelming majority” of member associations, rejecting calls for his departure, particularly from UEFA.