Kohzo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has formally announced his candidacy for the FIFA presidency, setting up a significant challenge to incumbent Gianni Infantino.
Tashima confirmed his decision at a closely followed news conference in Tokyo on Thursday morning, presenting himself as a serious alternative after Infantino’s governance faced strong criticism in recent months.
“I have decided to stand for the FIFA presidency in order to defend these values throughout the world,” Tashima said.
The Japanese candidate said his campaign would focus on restoring the central importance of the game, transparency and respect for the fundamental principles of sport within football’s world governing body.
His announcement marks the start of what is expected to be a contested campaign in international football. By standing against Infantino, Tashima hopes to attract federations seeking change and promote a new direction for the global game.