Japan's Tashima rates FIFA election chances at 20%-30% in challenge to Infantino

Japan Football Association Honorary President Kozo Tashima has indicated that governance issues constitute FIFA's most pressing challenge, while projecting his odds of defeating incumbent Gianni Infantino to be between 20% and 30% in the upcoming presidential election. Tashima announced his candidacy for the March election on Thursday, making him the first Japanese contender to vie for FIFA's top position.

The 68-year-old, who has held a spot on the FIFA Council since 2015, became JFA president the following year before stepping down in 2024.

Tashima indicated that he has garnered support from eight countries, including some outside Asia, although he has not yet received any formal endorsements. He expressed the need to secure backing from at least six associations, as candidates must have nominations from five national associations to participate in the election. The deadline for nominations is November 18, and Infantino, who is aiming for a fourth term, received a significant endorsement in October when a head of Asian football publicly supported him.

However, amidst support from several FIFA confederations, Infantino maintains a strong position among the organization's 211 member associations.

Tashima reiterated his commitment to transforming FIFA, emphasizing the need for selflessness as his guiding principle. He expressed hopes that his chances of winning could rise to 40% or 50% as the campaign unfolds. Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega made history as the first candidate to publicly declare his intention to challenge Infantino last month.