{
  "id": 18641794,
  "title": "The Fifa hopeful hoping to take Infantino down with ‘samurai spirit’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/the-fifa-hopeful-hoping-to-take-infantino-down-with-samurai-spirit",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-07T05:13:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/the-fifa-hopeful-hoping-to-take-infantino-down-with-samurai-spirit/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kozo Tashima, a 68-year-old former footballer and current member of the Fifa Council, is preparing to challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino in the upcoming Fifa presidential election. Tashima, who has sat on the Fifa Council for over two decades, aims to bring about \"good change\" to the organization and safeguard the game of football. In an interview with BBC Sport, he revealed that he has received positive responses from several member associations regarding his candidacy, with five endorsements being the minimum required to enter the race.\n\nTashima acknowledges the daunting challenge ahead, given Infantino's strong support within the football community. However, he remains determined to effect change, driven by his disappointment in Infantino's recent decisions, including the cancellation of a suspension for US forward Folarin Balogun and the abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Tashima emphasizes his commitment to reviewing and rebuilding the governance structure of Fifa, ensuring that the sport remains accessible and loved by all.\n\nThe former footballer remains confident in his ability to secure the necessary endorsements, stating that he has already received positive replies from some member associations. He also expressed hope that he will be elected as Fifa president in the upcoming March elections in Morocco. Tashima's campaign will be centered on his philosophy for the role, which includes the values of sincerity, soundness, fair play, and integrity.\n\nRegarding the Balogun red-card incident, Tashima stated that he has not seen the red card or any subsequent games, and that the situation remains unresolved. He criticized Infantino for not providing clear explanations regarding the incident, which involved US President Donald Trump requesting a review of the ban on Balogun. With over 20 years of experience in football associations, including the Japan Football Association and the Asian Football Confederation, Tashima is confident that his extensive background will enable him to make a positive impact if elected.",
  "summary": "Kozo Tashima is under no illusions it will be easy to take down Gianni Infantino – but the first serious challenger for the Fifa presidency says he will draw on his “samurai spirit”. First, the 68-year-old needs to get the endorsement of five member associations around the world. The honorary president of the Japan Football […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "The Fifa hopeful hoping to take Infantino down with 'samurai spirit'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/the-fifa-hopeful-hoping-to-take-infantino-down-with-samurai-spirit",
        "published": "2026-11-06T15:21:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "The Fifa hopeful hoping to take Infantino down with 'samurai spirit'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/the-fifa-hopeful-hoping-to-take-infantino-down-with-samurai-spirit-18520840",
        "published": "2026-11-06T15:36:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}