Tashima Plans FIFA Presidency Challenge to Infantino

Kohzo Tashima plans to seek the FIFA presidency against incumbent Gianni Infantino, and Japan’s soccer federation board has unanimously agreed to support his candidacy. The decision followed a meeting of the federation on November 5. Tashima would be the first serious challenger to emerge since Infantino’s proposal in July to sell private investors stakes in future World Cup profits stirred opposition in soccer circles.

Tashima, 68, played for Japan’s national team and previously led its soccer federation. He has served on FIFA’s governing council since 2015 and is regarded as a diplomatic, low-profile figure in the sport’s political world.

The election is scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco. To qualify, candidates need formal backing from at least five of FIFA’s 211 member federations and must clear an eligibility review by a three-person panel appointed by FIFA. UEFA has been working to identify a challenger, with the deadline to enter the contest set for November 18.