By Salma El-Sakka
Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has declared his candidacy for the FIFA presidency, becoming the first serious challenger to incumbent Gianni Infantino ahead of the March election in Morocco.
Endorsements and election timeline
The 68-year-old FIFA Council member must secure nominations from five member associations to appear on the ballot. Tashima said he has received "good replies" from several associations since announcing his bid, expressing confidence in meeting the requirement.
Criticism of Infantino's leadership
Tashima cited disappointment with Infantino's recent actions, including the cancelled suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup and an abandoned plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Infantino, who has led FIFA for a decade, previously told BBC Sport he believes he has the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of world football.
Campaign philosophy and governance reform
Tashima said he will draw on his "samurai spirit" to fight for good governance, emphasizing values of sincerity, soundness, fair play and integrity. He called for a review of FIFA's systems to make football accessible to all under a "football first" principle.
Balogun incident and transparency concerns
Regarding the Balogun red-card controversy, which involved a reported call from then-US President Donald Trump to Infantino, Tashima said the incident had not been adequately explained. He added that most questions remain unanswered by the FIFA president.
Other candidate Ramon Vega
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has also announced his intention to run, claiming more than five endorsements but declining to identify the supporting associations. Vega has attempted to stand three times previously without securing the required nominations.
