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Infantino faces fight for FIFA presidency as first challenger emerges
Summarised by MatchPal
Japanese FA honorary president Kohzo Tashima will challenge Infantino in March's FIFA presidential election, with UEFA expected to back him.
Gianni Infantino faces his first serious challenger for the FIFA presidency after Kohzo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association and FIFA Council member, announced his intention to stand in the March election.
Tashima, a former Japan international and coach, will have backing from his national association and is expected to secure the five endorsements needed to become an official candidate. UEFA is working to prevent Infantino from securing another term and is expected to overwhelmingly support Tashima if he emerges as the incumbent's only challenger. The Japanese candidate could also attract support from anti-Infantino factions within the AFC and CONCACAF.
FIFA's 211 member associations will vote, with a candidate requiring at least 106 votes to win. The deadline for candidates to declare their intention to stand is November 18. There has also been speculation about Arsène Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development, potentially entering the race.
Summary by MatchPal from the original report at skysports.com. Reporting and images belong to the source.
Reports on this story
UK times- Sky Sports
- ESPN
- The Guardian
- NOS
- The Independent
- The Athletic
- Corriere dello Sport
- talkSPORT
- Tashima challenges Infantino: new rival emerges for FIFA presidencyCorriere dello Sport
- Infantino faces fight for FIFA presidency as first challenger emergesSky SportsThis article
- Reports: FIFA Council's Tashima to challenge Infantino in March electionsESPN
- Japanese Tashima launches bid to challenge Infantino for FIFA presidencyNOS
- Japan's Kohzo Tashima announces bid to challenge Gianni Infantino for Fifa presidencyThe Independent
