The challenge to Infantino
Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, announced his intention to run against Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency. Tashima, age 68, is a member of the Fifa Council and previously worked as an international footballer and coach. He aims to convey "integrity, soundness, and high moral standards" to the football world. The Japan Football Association president, Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, expressed support for this decision, stating it provides an opportunity to show the world the ideals Japanese football has cherished. Tashima must secure the backing of five Fifa member associations before the 18 November deadline to appear on the ballot in Rabat. Tashima joins former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega as the second challenger to declare, though it remains unconfirmed if Vega has the necessary nominations from Fifa’s 211 member associations.
Tashima told the Japanese newspaper Sports Nippon that he intends to make an appeal to the world regarding the values his country has protected. "I am grateful that I can make this announcement with the full support of the Japan Football Association," Tashima said. He stated that his decision focuses on conveying "the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built" instead of winning or losing. He believes Fifa needs the values that Japanese football has protected over the years. Tashima plans to use his experience to contribute to the further development of world football. He believes it is important to clearly communicate to the world of football the integrity, soundness, and high moral standards that Japanese football has cherished and built up over the years. Tsuneyasu Miyamoto added that the decision is a major challenge to contribute to the further development of world football by using that experience and knowledge.
Political shifts and the FFE scandal
Infantino faces a challenge to his authority following the abandonment of the Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal at the end of July. This failed plan to sell a 20% stake in Fifa commercial rights drew significant backlash from football organisations worldwide. While Infantino told BBC Sport last month that he has the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of football, his support faced a setback after the FFE scandal. The Asian Football Confederation president, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, recently endorsed Infantino after a U-turn from his previous position siding with Uefa and Concacaf. Tashima, who held talks with Uefa officials at the recent Asian Football Confederation congress in Tokyo, reportedly acts with the blessing of Uefa, which has led the opposition to Infantino after his failed attempt to sell off a 20% stake.
| Election Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Candidate Deadline | 18 November |
| Nomination Requirement | 5 member associations |
| Total Member Associations | 211 |
| Votes needed for re-election | 106 |
| Election timing | March |
Uefa has spent months attempting to find a candidate to stand against Infantino, but the organization may conclude that a non-European challenger will perform better due to resentment regarding European dominance. The failed attempt to sell off a 20% stake in Fifa commercial rights this summer was a significant blow to Infantino’s standing. Tashima’s candidacy threatens to split the Asian Football Confederation vote, although he will likely gain support from Europe and Concacaf. Ramon Vega has also declared his intention to run, though it remains unclear if he can secure the necessary nominations. The deadline for all candidates to submit their names for the ballot is 18 November.
Voting dynamics in the upcoming election
Infantino maintains strong ties to countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as support across Africa and South America. This support makes him the favorite to reach the 106 votes required for a fourth term. Tashima says his run focuses on conveying "the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built" rather than simply winning or losing. His emergence tests the strength of the supporter base Infantino built after the FFE scandal. Tashima could split the AFC vote. He is certain to pick up votes from Europe and Concacaf, although other candidates could emerge. Infantino has the backing of several leading countries in the AFC, such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and of Africa and South America, so he is expected to reach the 106 votes required to be re-elected for a fourth term.
