Japan’s Kozo Tashima Throws Down the Gauntlet to Gianni Infantino in Fifa Presidency Race

The race for the Fifa presidency just got a lot more interesting. Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has announced he will stand against Gianni Infantino in March’s election. Reportedly backed by Uefa, he now becomes the second declared challenger as the 18 November deadline approaches.

A New Challenger Steps Forward

Tashima is the second figure to declare ahead of the nomination deadline, following former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega. It remains unclear whether Vega has the support of five of Fifa’s 211 member associations, the number needed to appear on the ballot in Rabat.

Tashima, by contrast, is widely respected and is not expected to have any trouble securing his nominations. He is understood to have acted with the blessing of Uefa.

Who Is Kozo Tashima?

The former Japan international has many allies in Europe. He held talks with Uefa officials at last month’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) congress in Tokyo.

Speaking to the Japanese newspaper Sports Nippon, Tashima framed his bid as a matter of values rather than victory.

“It’s not about winning or losing but about conveying to the world the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built. What Fifa needs now are these values that we have protected.”

Uefa’s Search Ends in Asia

Uefa has spent months looking for a candidate to take on Infantino. The opposition hardened after his failed attempt this summer to sell off a 20% stake in Fifa’s commercial rights.

A non-European challenger may now look like the smarter play. There is widespread resentment about Uefa’s perceived dominance of the sport, and a candidate from Asia could blunt that criticism.

A Twist at the AFC Congress

The timing is intriguing. The AFC congress ended with president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa publicly endorsing Infantino. That was a major U-turn, since he had previously sided with Uefa and Concacaf in trying to depose him.

Tashima could therefore split the AFC vote. He is also certain to pick up support from Europe and Concacaf, although other candidates could still emerge before the deadline.

The Numbers That Matter

Can Anyone Stop Infantino?

On paper, Infantino remains the heavy favourite. He has the backing of several leading AFC nations, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as Africa and South America.

He is therefore expected to canter towards the 106 votes required to win a fourth term. Tashima’s candidacy may be more about sending a message than winning, but it could still shape the conversation around Fifa’s direction.

What Happens Next?

All eyes now turn to the 18 November deadline. Will Vega secure his five nominations? Will another contender emerge? And can Tashima really chip away at Infantino’s support base in Asia?

With months to go before Rabat, the battle for the future of world football governance is only just beginning.