Japanese Kozo Tashima announces candidacy for FIFA presidency

Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima announced his candidacy for the 2027 FIFA presidency, positioning himself as a potential challenger to incumbent Gianni Infantino.

Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), announced on Thursday that he will run for FIFA president in the 2027 election, potentially challenging incumbent Gianni Infantino.

Tashima, 68, said he received the full backing of the JFA for his candidacy. "It is not about winning or losing, but about conveying to the world the honest, solid and integrity attitude that Japanese football has forged. FIFA needs the values we have defended," he said. The JFA's board unanimously approved supporting Tashima's candidacy at a meeting in Tokyo.

Tashima acknowledged that he currently sees no one else capable of challenging Infantino, but argued it would be worse if Infantino renewed his mandate without an election. The vote will take place on 18 May at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco. Swiss businessman Ramon Vega recently became the first to officially declare his candidacy against Infantino, who is seeking reelection despite calls for his resignation.