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Kozo Tashima enters race to challenge Infantino for Fifa presidency
Kozo Tashima, the Japan Football Association’s honorary president, has entered the race to challenge Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency. He is presenting himself as a quieter, more attentive leader who would put football’s principles and social value ahead of headline-making politics.
Tashima, 68, announced his candidacy on 5 November, ahead of the election in March. He has been a member of the Fifa Council since 2015 and previously helped lead Japan’s unsuccessful bid for the 2022 World Cup, which received two of the final 22 votes. His campaign follows disquiet in Japanese football over Infantino’s conduct and the JFA’s decision to back him; former JFA vice-president Takeshi Okada resigned in protest. Tashima could become Infantino’s main challenger if Europe does not put forward a candidate.
In short
- Kozo Tashima is running for Fifa president.
- He promises a calmer, more principled approach.
- Japan’s backing of Infantino has caused internal dissent.
Asia Elections Football Government Politics Sport World
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Less drama, more listening, but is Kozo Tashima the candidate to topple Infantino?”.