Infantino to face Tashima challenge in FIFA presidency election
Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has announced he will stand against Gianni Infantino in March's FIFA presidential election, becoming his first serious declared challenger.
A genuine rival to Gianni Infantino's FIFA presidency has emerged, with Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, confirming he will stand in March's election, Sky Sports Football reported.
Tashima's bid comes with the backing of his own federation. "I am grateful that I can make this announcement with the full support of the JFA," he is reported to have told Sports Nippon, according to Yahoo Sports.
He framed the challenge as a matter of principle rather than ambition. "It's not about winning or losing but about conveying to the world the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built," Tashima said.
He added: "What FIFA needs now are these values that we have protected. I have decided to run in order to make this appeal to the world."
The vote will take place at FIFA Congress in Morocco, where Infantino is seeking a fourth term in charge of world football's governing body.
His position had appeared vulnerable since July, when a scheme allowing private investors to buy into a newly created FIFA commercial entity controlling rights to competitions such as the World Cup was scrapped, a move Guardian Sport reported had caused consternation within the organisation.
Yahoo Sports reported that Infantino has recovered ground since that episode and is now seen as well placed to win re-election despite it.
UEFA has been among his sharpest critics over the episode, saying it had "lost confidence" in Infantino because of the private investor plan and pledging to identify a credible alternative candidate to oppose him.
The Press Association, cited by Yahoo Sports, understands that work on finding such a candidate is continuing, with a number of names still being considered and sounded out by European football's governing body.
UEFA has been contacted for comment on Tashima's announcement, Yahoo Sports said.
Tashima is not the only declared rival. Ramon Vega, the former Tottenham defender, has separately confirmed he intends to run against Infantino for the top job at FIFA.
Candidates have until 18 November to formally submit their nominations ahead of the March vote, setting up a narrow window in which UEFA and others opposed to Infantino's continued leadership must settle on their preferred challenger.
With the deadline now less than a fortnight away, attention turns to whether UEFA puts forward a candidate of its own or opts to throw its weight behind Tashima, Vega or another contender yet to emerge before FIFA's electorate gathers in Morocco.