Kozo Tashima Enters Fifa Presidential Race to Challenge Gianni Infantino

Key Takeaways:

• Kozo Tashima, aged 68 and honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has declared his candidacy to oppose Gianni Infantino in the next Fifa presidential election
• The deadline for candidates to enter the presidential race is 18 November
• Infantino, after facing criticism over the Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal, claims to have regained support within global football circles

Japanese Football Figure Takes Aim at Fifa Leadership

Kozo Tashima, who serves as the honorary president of the Japan Football Association and sits on the Fifa Council, has announced his intention to run against incumbent Gianni Infantino in the Fifa presidential election. Tashima, a former international player and coach, aims to promote principles of “integrity, soundness, and high moral standards” within the organisation, expressing his desire to contribute to the future development of the sport.

BREAKING: Japan Football Association Honorary President Kozo Tashima has decided to run for the FIFA Presidency.🇯🇵

"I am grateful to be able to make this announcement with the full support of the Japan Football Association. It is not about winning or losing, but about clearly communicating to the world the honesty, soundness, and integrity that Japanese football has built up until now. I believe that what FIFA needs now is this, which we have always protected. I have decided to run for FIFA president in order to properly appeal this to the world."

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 5, 2026

Backdrop of Criticism and Recent Support Shifts

Gianni Infantino has come under significant scrutiny in recent months following his plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors through the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. Widespread criticism from global football stakeholders led to the initiative’s discontinuation at the end of July. Despite the controversy’s effect on his image, Infantino maintains he has the support of the “vast, vast majority” of the football community. The Asian Football Confederation’s recent endorsement, led by a policy reversal from Sheikh Salman, has further solidified his position.

Contestants and Election Process

The race for the Fifa presidency officially saw its first candidate in October, when former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega declared his intentions. Tashima’s entry into the fray, particularly with the full backing of the Japan Football Association led by Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, intensifies the contest and puts Infantino’s leadership under renewed scrutiny.

To be eligible for the presidential ballot, candidates must secure nominations from five Fifa member associations. Tashima’s campaign seeks to capitalise on Japanese football’s longstanding tradition of upholding moral values, as highlighted in his statement: “I believe it is important to clearly communicate to the world of football the integrity, soundness, and high moral standards that Japanese football has cherished and built up over the years.

“I have decided to run for Fifa presidential election in order to convey this philosophy to the world and contribute to a better future for football.

“I will take on this challenge with strong determination, making use of the experience I have cultivated so far, and contributing to the further development of world football.”

Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, current president of the JFA, added: “This decision is a major challenge to contribute to the further development of world football by utilising that experience and knowledge, and at the same time, we believe it will be an opportunity to show the world the ideals and attitudes that Japanese football has cherished.”

Election Timeline and Current Contenders

The cut-off for presidential candidacy submissions is set for 18 November. With Tashima’s entry into the field, the contest promises heightened attention as the candidates seek the necessary endorsements and global support ahead of the election.