Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has declared his intention to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, vowing to draw on his "samurai spirit" in what he acknowledges is an uphill battle. The 68-year-old is the first serious contender to emerge against Infantino, who has led world football's governing body for a decade.
A Formidable Challenge
Tashima, a former footballer and current FIFA Council member, recognizes the enormity of the task. "I know [Infantino] has a lot of supporters," he said in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport. "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."
To stand in the March elections, Tashima must first secure endorsements from at least five member associations. He remains optimistic, stating he has already received "good replies" from some of those he has approached. "I have confidence," he added.
Driven by Disappointment
Tashima's decision to run stems from dissatisfaction with Infantino's recent actions, particularly the handling of the cancelled suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup and the abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. "I have never seen the red card and the next game who can play," Tashima said, referring to the Balogun incident, which involved a call from US President Donald Trump to Infantino. "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: "Most of the things are not answered yet by Mr President Infantino."
Vision for FIFA
At the heart of Tashima's campaign is a philosophy centered on "values of sincerity, soundness, fair play, and integrity." He aims to review and rebuild good governance at FIFA, ensuring the game is safeguarded and accessible to all. "In the uncertain situation of the world, sports - especially football - can present good values like fair play, co-operation, hard work, integrity, and show the model of the society," he explained. "So, first to review and rebuild good governance and make football accessible for all with the principle of football first."
With over 20 years of experience in the Japan Football Association, the Asian Football Confederation, and FIFA, Tashima believes he can bring about "good change" if elected. He remains hopeful of winning the election in Morocco next March, despite the odds. "Of course, of course yes, I hope I will win. It is not easy."
Other Challengers
Tashima is not the only one eyeing the presidency. Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has also announced his candidacy, claiming he has secured "more than five" endorsements but declining to name the associations. Vega has attempted to run three times before but failed to garner the necessary support. Tashima, however, is considered the first credible challenger to Infantino, who last month told BBC Sport he believed he had the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of world football.
As the March election approaches, all eyes will be on whether Tashima's samurai spirit can galvanize enough support to unseat the incumbent and usher in a new era for FIFA.
