FIFA PRESIDENCY: JAPAN’S TASHIMA JOINS RACE AGAINST INFANTINO
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
Japan Football Association honorary president, Kozo Tashima, has declared his intention to contest the FIFA presidential election, potentially challenging incumbent Gianni Infantino.
Tashima, 68, currently serves as a member of the FIFA Council and is a former international footballer and coach.
His decision to join the race has received the endorsement of the JFA, introducing another contender into the growing contest for the leadership of world football.
According to BBC Sport on Thursday, Tashima said his ambition was to promote the principles of integrity, soundness and high moral standards associated with Japanese football.
“I have decided to run for FIFA presidential election in order to convey this philosophy to the world and contribute to a better future for football,” he said.
He added that he hoped to use his experience to support the continued development of football globally.
JFA president, Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, described Tashima’s decision as a significant challenge through which he could contribute his knowledge and experience to the global game.
Tashima’s announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership following controversy surrounding the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, which reportedly sought to sell stakes in the commercial interests of the World Cup to private investors.
The proposal was eventually dropped in July after attracting strong opposition from different stakeholders in football.
Despite the controversy, Infantino has continued to build support ahead of the election. Last month, he told BBC Sport that he enjoyed the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.
His position was further reinforced after the Asian Football Confederation formally endorsed his bid for another term, following a shift in stance by its president, Sheikh Salman.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender, Ramon Vega, was the first to announce his intention to contest the election next year in October.
However, Tashima’s entry into the race, with the backing of the JFA, adds another potential challenger to Infantino as the contest gathers momentum.
Candidates seeking the FIFA presidency must obtain the support of at least five member associations, while the deadline for submitting nominations is November 18.
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