Japanese football chief Kohzo Tashima announces FIFA presidency candidacy

Kohzo Tashima, honorary president of Japan's football federation, declared his candidacy for FIFA president against incumbent Gianni Infantino.

Kohzo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association and FIFA Council member since 2015, announced his candidacy for FIFA president on Thursday. He needs support from five of FIFA's 211 member federations to run, a threshold he is expected to meet easily with backing from Japan's federation.

Tashima framed his campaign around integrity and values, stating: "It is not about winning or losing, but communicating clearly to the world the honesty, rigour and integrity that Japanese football has cultivated. I believe this is what FIFA needs today." He is the second declared candidate ahead of the November 18 nomination deadline, following former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega.

According to The Guardian, Tashima's candidacy has UEFA's backing as the European confederation seeks to challenge Infantino following his failed attempt to privatise World Cup commercial rights. His non-European profile may appeal to voters outside Europe, where resentment of perceived European dominance in football governance runs high.