Kozo Tashima has emerged as the first serious challenger to Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, announcing he will rely on his “samurai spirit” to contest the March elections. The 68-year-old honorary president of the Japan Football Association and FIFA Council member first needs to secure endorsements from five member associations worldwide.
Challenging the Incumbent
Tashima stated in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport that he has received positive responses from the member associations he has contacted so far regarding endorsements. However, unseating Infantino presents a formidable task, as the incumbent has led FIFA for a decade and recently told BBC Sport that he believes he enjoys the backing of the overwhelming majority of world football.
Driven by disappointment over Infantino’s recent decisions—specifically the cancelled suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup and the abandoned plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors—Tashima feels compelled to run. He acknowledged that Infantino commands significant support and that his own campaign budget is limited, but emphasized his determination.
Tashima stated to BBC Sport: “I know he has a lot of supporters. Now I am alone and my budget is not enough but it is OK. My policy, my philosophy, I have to fight against him with my samurai spirit.”
His campaign focuses on safeguarding football, reviewing FIFA systems, and establishing robust governance. Tashima noted that sport and football must uphold values such as fair play, co-operation, hard work, integrity, and societal modeling during uncertain global times, prioritizing football first and ensuring accessibility for all.
Campaign Priorities and Previous Controversies
When asked about his confidence in securing the necessary five endorsements, Tashima expressed assurance based on responses received so far. He laughed when questioned about realistically winning the election scheduled for Morocco in March, before affirming his ultimate goal to win despite the difficulty.
His platform centers on sincerity, soundness, fair play, and integrity. Addressing the Balogun red-card controversy—which involved a call from United States President Donald Trump to review the suspension—Tashima criticized the lack of transparency.
Tashima told BBC Sport: “I have never seen the red card and the next game who can play. This is, I hope, never happens in the world football. He didn’t explain about this issue, how to come and how [it came] to happen.”
He added that most matters remain unanswered by the president, noting that his own two decades of experience across the Japan Football Association, Asian Football Confederation, and FIFA position him to bring positive change.
Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega also announced his intention to run in next year’s election, claiming to have secured more than five endorsements while declining to name the supporting associations. Candidates must demonstrate an active role in football for two of the last five years, with Vega expressing confidence in his eligibility as a club shareholder despite three previous unsuccessful presidential bids, leaving Tashima recognized as the primary serious challenger.
