Japan's Tashima to stand against Infantino for Fifa presidency

Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has declared his candidacy for the Fifa presidency, challenging incumbent Gianni Infantino.

Kozo Tashima, 68, the Japan Football Association honorary president and Fifa Council member, has announced he will stand for the Fifa presidency against incumbent Gianni Infantino. Tashima, a former international footballer and coach, said he wants to convey "integrity, soundness, and high moral standards" and contribute to a better future for football.

Tashima's candidacy comes after Infantino faced intense scrutiny over the abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Though Infantino has recently shored up support, including endorsement from the Asian Football Confederation, Tashima's emergence as a challenger backed by the Japan Football Association will test the strength of his supporter base.

Candidates must secure backing from five Fifa member associations by the 18 November deadline. Tashima said he will use his experience to contribute to world football's development, while JFA president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto described the decision as a major challenge to showcase Japanese football's ideals to the world.