By Salma El-Sakka
Japan's Kohzo Tashima, a FIFA Council member and honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has announced his candidacy for the FIFA presidency, challenging incumbent Gianni Infantino in the election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco.
JFA unanimously backs Tashima
The Japan Football Association's board members unanimously agreed to support Tashima's bid, according to reports from Japanese newspapers Asahi and Nikkan Sports. Tashima, 68, a former Japan national team player, has served on FIFA's ruling committee since 2015.
Tashima emphasizes values over victory
"It's not about winning or losing but about conveying to the world the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built," Tashima said. "What FIFA needs now are these values that we have protected. I have decided to run in order to make this appeal to the world."
Election requirements and timeline
Prospective candidates must secure formal endorsement from at least five of FIFA's 211 member federations and pass an eligibility review by a three-member panel appointed by FIFA. The deadline to enter the race is November 18.
Growing opposition to Infantino
Tashima emerges as the first serious challenger since Infantino sparked controversy in July with a proposal to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors. Japan's football association vice president Takeshi Okada resigned last week, citing a "significant divergence" from his beliefs about sporting integrity. UEFA has also been leading efforts to find a candidate to oppose Infantino's re-election.
