FIFA Council’s Tashima to challenge Infantino in March elections – reports

FIFA Council member Kohzo Tashima is planning to challenge incumbent President Gianni Infantino in the upcoming March elections, Japanese media outlets have reported. This comes after Tashima announced his intention to run during a meeting of Japan’s national football federation. As per the Asahi newspaper, Tashima's decision to run for the presidency was unanimously endorsed by the board members of the Japan Football Association (JFA).

A report by Nikkan Sports supports these claims. The 68-year-old Tashima, a former national team player, has served on FIFA’s ruling committee since 2015 under then-president Sepp Blatter. He is widely acknowledged for his diplomatic and unassuming approach within the realm of football politics. To mount a challenge for the presidency, candidates must secure formal backing from at least five of FIFA’s 211 member federations, as they will be voting on March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.

Additionally, they must clear an eligibility check by a three-member panel appointed by FIFA. The European governing body UEFA has been spearheading efforts to identify a candidate to oppose Infantino, with a November 18 deadline to officially enter the race.