Tashima Challenges Infantino for FIFA Presidency

Kohzo Tashima, a FIFA Council member and a long-time colleague of Infantino, plans to run against the incumbent president in the election to be held in March next year. Japanese media announced the development on Thursday, following a meeting of the Japan Football Association (JFA). At 68, Tashima is emerging as the first credible name to oppose Infantino.

In July, Infantino made a controversial proposal to sell stakes in World Cup profits to private investors. The proposal was withdrawn within a few days after reactions from football officials in Europe, Asia and North America, and from FIFA employees. Infantino and FIFA are also being questioned over the integrity of disciplinary decisions in World Cup matches. The debates include decisions concerning Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo, US forward Folarin Balogun and Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

Tashima told the Nikkei newspaper: "The worst thing would be for Infantino to return to office without an election." According to the Asahi newspaper, Tashima has formally notified his intention to run, and JFA board members unanimously decided to support his candidacy. Tashima said, "It is not about winning or losing. We must show the world the sincere, solid and noble approach of Japanese football." The JFA has not yet responded to Associated Press's request for comment.

The candidacy debate has also highlighted the division in Asian football. Japan has maintained significant influence in FIFA and continental governance over the past 15 years. However, the weight of Gulf countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia is growing. The Asian Football Confederation changed its stance toward Infantino, whom it had criticized in August, and declared its support. Following these developments, JFA Vice President Takeshi Okada resigned last week. Okada, who coached Japan at the 1998 and 2010 World Cups, left his post due to the political controversies created by Infantino's efforts to gather support for a new term.