Win or lose, FIFA candidate Tashima making a stand for Japanese values
KOZO Tashima’s declaration last week that he would stand against Gianni Infantino in next March’s FIFA presidential election came as a surprise, but is the latest sign of dissatisfaction within Japanese football at the state of the sport’s governance.
Kozo Tashima's announcement that he would challenge Gianni Infantino in the upcoming FIFA presidential election has stunned the football community. This decision follows Takeshi Okada's recent resignation from the Japan Football Association (JFA) due to concerns over FIFA and the World Cup. Tashima, who has been the honorary president of the JFA for eight years, plans to self-fund his campaign.
Despite admitting his odds of winning are around 30%, Tashima insists his primary goal is to demonstrate honesty, soundness, and integrity in Japanese football. The 68-year-old, who played in seven matches for Japan and coached the national team at the 2001 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, has been a pivotal figure in Japan's football rise.
Tashima criticizes FIFA's proposed sale of a stake to private investors, deeming it unacceptable. Despite the slim chance of victory, Tashima insists his candidacy serves a greater purpose—highlighting what he sees as the values of Japanese football.
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