Japan’s Kozo Tashima enters FIFA race against Infantino
What’s next: Candidates must secure backing from five member associations before the Nov. 18 deadline for the Rabat ballot.
Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, is entering the March election for FIFA president, setting up a challenge to incumbent Gianni Infantino. Tashima, 68, is the second declared contender after former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and needs support from five of FIFA’s 211 member associations to reach the ballot in Rabat. British media reported Tashima is expected to draw support from Japan, parts of Europe and Concacaf. His candidacy comes after backlash over Infantino’s failed push this summer to sell a 20% stake in FIFA commercial rights, a plan that deepened friction with UEFA even as the Asian Football Confederation later endorsed Infantino.