Kohzo Tashima Reportedly to Challenge FIFA President Infantino

Japanese Football Association (JFA) official Kohzo Tashima intends to challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the organisation’s March presidential election, according to reports in Japanese media. Tashima, a member of the FIFA Council and former president of Japan’s football federation, is reportedly preparing to enter the contest after receiving unanimous backing from the JFA board.

If confirmed, the move would introduce a rival candidate to Infantino as he seeks another term leading World Football’s governing body. Japanese newspapers Asahi and Nikkan Sports reported Tashima’s intention to run following a meeting of the national federation.

Tashima Reportedly Receives Unanimous JFA Backing

According to the Asahi newspaper, Tashima told members of the Japan Football Association that he intended to stand in the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 18. The report said the federation’s board members unanimously agreed to support his candidacy.

Nikkan Sports also reported that Tashima plans to challenge Infantino. However, the JFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press, leaving the federation’s position without direct confirmation at the time of the reports.

Tashima, 68, has a long history in Japanese football administration. He previously represented Japan as a national team player before serving as president of the JFA. He has also been part of FIFA’s ruling committee since 2015, when Sepp Blatter was still president of the organisation.

Potential Challenge Comes Amid FIFA Investment Controversy

Tashima is being described as the first serious potential challenger to Infantino to emerge since the FIFA president faced criticism over a proposal involving private investment in future World Cup profits.

In July, Infantino provoked strong reactions across global football after a plan was discussed to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors. The proposal raised concerns within the football community and became a point of debate surrounding FIFA’s financial direction and governance.

The controversy has added to the political backdrop of the upcoming presidential election. Tashima’s reported decision to enter the race could give member federations another candidate to consider as discussions continue over FIFA’s leadership and future priorities.

Who Is Kohzo Tashima?

Tashima is a former Japan international who later moved into football administration. His experience includes leading the Japan Football Association and serving on FIFA’s governing committee for more than a decade.

He is known for maintaining a diplomatic and relatively low-profile approach in international Football Politics. His reputation as a respected administrator could be relevant as he seeks support from football associations around the world.

However, entering the election will require more than backing from Japan. FIFA’s presidential rules set out formal nomination and eligibility requirements that every candidate must satisfy before being allowed to contest the position.

FIFA Presidential Candidates Face Strict Requirements

According to the reported election rules, candidates must receive formal support from at least five of FIFA’s 211 member associations. Those associations will take part in the vote scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.

Prospective candidates must also pass an eligibility assessment conducted by a three-member panel appointed by FIFA. The process is intended to determine whether nominees meet the requirements to stand for the organisation’s top position.

Even with reported unanimous backing from the JFA board, Tashima would therefore need to secure support from at least four additional member associations to meet the nomination threshold.

UEFA Has Been Seeking an Alternative Candidate

European football’s governing body, UEFA, has reportedly been leading efforts to identify a candidate capable of challenging Infantino ahead of the November 18 deadline for entering the contest.

The search for an alternative has formed part of the wider discussions surrounding the FIFA presidency. Tashima’s reported intention to run could provide a possible option for associations looking for a challenger to the incumbent president.

Whether he can secure the required nominations and complete the eligibility process remains to be seen. His reported candidacy also needs formal confirmation from the JFA and the relevant FIFA election authorities.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus will be on whether Tashima officially announces his candidacy and obtains the necessary backing from FIFA member associations before the November 18 deadline. The JFA’s reported support would provide an important starting point, but the nomination requirement means that further international support will be essential.

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco, where representatives of the 211 member associations are expected to take part in the vote. Until the nomination and eligibility stages are completed, the final list of candidates remains uncertain.

For now, reports from Japan suggest that Tashima is preparing to challenge Infantino, potentially setting up a significant contest over the leadership of world football.