Sports

Japan FA Honorary President Announces Bid for FIFA Presidency

By AFP

Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, announced on Thursday that he will run against Gianni Infantino in FIFA’s presidential election scheduled for March. Tashima, 68, is the second person to declare a challenge to Infantino, following former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega. In a statement, Tashima said, “With the full support of the JFA I have decided to declare my candidacy in the FIFA presidential election. I believe it is important that the sincerity, integrity and high ethical standards that Japanese football has long valued and built up are clearly communicated to the global football community. In order to share these principles with the world and contribute to a better future for football, I have decided to run in the FIFA presidential election.” He added that, drawing on his experience as JFA president from 2016 to 2024, he will take on the challenge with firm resolve to contribute to the further development of world football. The deadline for candidates to declare is November 18. Incumbent Infantino, who is seeking a fourth and final term, has faced criticism and calls to resign after a failed World Cup sell‑off plan, but he remains in a strong position to secure re‑election after the Asian Football Confederation endorsed him last month. Infantino has said he has the backing of a “vast, vast majority” of member associations and has dismissed calls for him to step down.