Kozo Tashima: Japan leader looking to bring 'integrity' to FIFA
TOKYO: Kozo Tashima first started playing football after watching the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and since then he has dedicated his life to developing the sport’s growth in Japan.
Tashima, a 68-year-old Japanese football enthusiast, has announced his intention to run for the FIFA presidency, becoming the country's first candidate in the organization's history. The veteran, who has held various roles within the sport, including player, coach, and bureaucrat, is set to challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino in the March election.
Born in southern Kumamoto, Tashima first fell in love with football after watching the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. With no professional football in Japan at that time, he dedicated himself to the sport's growth and development. He studied at the German Sport University Cologne, which profoundly impacted his perspective on sport's purpose in society.
Tashima rose through the ranks of the Japan Football Association (JFA), serving as president from 2016 until stepping down in 2024. During his tenure, he made headlines by dismissing unpopular coach Vahid Halilhodzic and oversaw Japan's successful last-16 run in the 2018 World Cup. Tashima's presidency has been marked by his commitment to upholding sport's integrity, a sentiment he expressed in his candidacy announcement.
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- Japan’s Kozo Tashima looking to bring ‘integrity’ to Fifa freemalaysiatoday.com
- Football: JFA honorary chief Tashima intends to vie for FIFA presidency mainichi.jp
