# Japan FA president Tashima to challenge Infantino for Fifa presidency

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/japan-fa-head-kozo-tashima-to-stand-against-infantino-for-fifa-presidency/
- Published: 2026-11-05T10:48:42+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T11:24:00+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/05/japan-fa-head-kozo-tashima-stand-against-gianni-infantino-for-fifa-president
- Topics: Asia, Business, Elections, Football, Government, Politics, Sport, World

## Key points

- Kozo Tashima will challenge Gianni Infantino for Fifa president.
- Tashima says he wants to promote Japanese football’s values.
- Fifa’s 211 member federations vote on 18 March in Morocco.

## Summary

Kozo Tashima, president of the Japan Football Association, says he will stand against Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency in March. His announcement comes amid opposition to Infantino after a failed proposal to bring private investors into a new Fifa commercial entity holding rights linked to competitions including the World Cup.

Tashima, 68, says he wants to promote the “honest, sound and upright” values he associates with Japanese football. A former Japan player, he has served on Fifa’s ruling committee since 2015 and is regarded as a diplomatic, low-profile official. Candidates need formal backing from five of Fifa’s 211 member federations and must pass an eligibility check; the vote is due on 18 March in Rabat, Morocco.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.