Kozo Tashima declares FIFA Presidential bid with Japan FA backing

Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has declared his intention to contest the FIFA presidency, potentially reshaping the race with support from several European federations and expected backing from Jordan.

Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has officially announced his intention to contest the FIFA presidency, setting up a potential challenge to incumbent Gianni Infantino ahead of next year’s election.

The 68-year-old confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, with the full backing of the Japanese football governing body. His announcement makes him the first Japanese candidate to seek the highest position in world football.

Tashima said his campaign would focus on promoting the principles of honesty, accountability and integrity, which he believes should form the foundation of FIFA’s leadership.

He also stressed that his decision was not simply about winning the election but ensuring that Japanese football’s values were properly represented on the international stage.

A former Japan international, Tashima served as JFA president between 2016 and 2024, having joined FIFA’s governing council in 2015. He was succeeded at the Japanese federation by Tsuneyasu Miyamoto.

His entry into the race could complicate UEFA’s efforts to identify a candidate capable of challenging Infantino, who is seeking another term.

European football officials are understood to have been aware of Tashima’s intentions, while the Japanese administrator is reportedly attracting support from several federations across the continent. Jordan is also expected to support his candidacy, potentially giving him an important foothold in Asia.

However, UEFA could still introduce another contender before the November 18 deadline, raising the possibility of competing opposition candidates.

Tashima will also face competition from former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega, who previously announced his intention to contest the election.

To become an official candidate, Tashima must secure nominations from at least five of FIFA’s 211 member associations.

The election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco, with Infantino remaining a strong favourite despite growing criticism of his leadership.

Tashima’s candidacy therefore introduces another dimension to an increasingly significant contest for control of world football.