Japan's Kozo Tashima will challenge Infantino for the FIFA presidency

Gianni Infantino has a new rival. Kozo Tashima, a former head of Japanese football, said on Thursday that he will stand in FIFA's presidential election in March.

What happened?

Tashima, 68, is honorary president of the Japan Football Association (JFA). He was JFA president from 2016 to 2024 and has also served on the FIFA Council, the organisation's top decision-making body.

In a statement, he said he was running "with the full support of the JFA". He added that the "sincerity, integrity and high ethical standards" Japanese football has built up should be clearly communicated to the global football community.

He is the second person to announce a challenge to Infantino. The first was Ramon Vega, a former Tottenham defender.

Why is everyone talking about it?

Infantino is seeking a fourth and final term as FIFA president. He first won the job in Zurich in February 2016, taking over from Sepp Blatter, and has been re-elected twice since.

Recently, though, he faced sharp criticism and calls to quit after his aborted plan to sell off part of the World Cup. He dismissed those calls and said he has the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of member associations.

Last month the Asian Football Confederation endorsed the 56-year-old. That is a big boost for Infantino, and it puts Tashima's home region behind the man he now wants to replace. It is not yet confirmed whether Tashima will become the candidate of Europe's opposition.

What's next?

The deadline for candidates to declare is November 18. Until then, more names could appear.

For now, Infantino still looks like the favourite. But Tashima's bid gives the March vote a second challenger.