Japan's Kozo Tashima wants to take on Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency

Gianni Infantino may finally have a challenger. Japan's Kozo Tashima has announced that he wants to become FIFA president.

The 68-year-old made the announcement after a board meeting of the Japan Football Association (JFA). "I have decided to run for the office of FIFA president," he said.

What happened?

Tashima framed his bid as more than a power contest. "It's not about winning or losing, but about showing the world the honest, solid and sincere attitude that Japanese football has developed," he said. "That is exactly what FIFA needs now."

He knows the game from several sides. Tashima played seven internationals for Japan, studied at the German Sport University Cologne in the 1980s and worked for Bayer Leverkusen. He later coached Japan's U17 and U20 teams, then rose through the JFA from general secretary to vice president and president. Today he is honorary president, sits on the FIFA Council and on the executive committee of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Is Europe behind him?

That is the big question. The Guardian reported that Tashima has support in Europe. UEFA, Europe's football body, has been asked for comment on whether he is the candidate of the Europe-led opposition to Infantino.

Tashima himself was cautious on Japanese TV. Asked about European backing, he said it is "out of the question at this point". He now wants to win support by laying out his manifesto.

What does he need?

To get on the ballot, a candidate needs official backing from at least five of FIFA's 211 national associations. Nominations and endorsements must reach FIFA by 18 November. The vote is planned for the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March 2027. Candidates must also pass a FIFA eligibility check.

Infantino has rebuilt much of his power base since FIFA's failed investor deal. South America, large parts of Oceania and Asia, and most African associations back him. The AFC pledged him its "full support", but only national associations can vote.

Earlier on

Infantino was elected in Zurich in 2016, succeeding Sepp Blatter, and was re-elected unopposed in Kigali in 2023.

The UEFA-led opposition has so far named a profile but no person. It is also demanding court documents in the US about the failed deal.