Japan’s Kozo Tashima enters March FIFA presidential race
What’s next: Tashima must secure backing from five member associations by the Nov. 18 filing deadline for the Rabat vote.
Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, is running against Gianni Infantino in FIFA’s presidential election in March 2027. Tashima, 68, is the second declared challenger after former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and said he has the full support of the JFA. Candidates need nominations from at least five of FIFA’s 211 member associations by Nov. 18 to make the ballot in Rabat, Morocco. Tashima’s bid comes after backlash over the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which would have opened FIFA tournament rights, including the World Cup, to private investors. Infantino is seeking a fourth term and is still seen as the favorite.