Japanese official Kozo Tashima enters the race for the FIFA presidency
Former JFA president Kozo Tashima has officially announced his candidacy for the FIFA presidency to challenge Gianni Infantino in March.
Kozo Tashima, the former president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), has officially announced his bid to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency. The election, set to take place in March, marks the first time a Japanese official has entered the race for the top position in world football's governing body.
A career dedicated to football development
Tashima’s journey spans decades, starting as a player and moving into coaching and administration. After studying at the German Sport University Cologne, he returned to Japan to implement systematic development programs. He served as JFA president from 2016 to 2024 and currently holds a seat on the FIFA Council.
"In this age of business and money, sport must firmly uphold its integrity."
Kozo Tashima
The 68-year-old official emphasized that his candidacy is driven by a desire to ensure FIFA remains accountable and transparent. He expressed concerns regarding recent political interventions and administrative decisions within the organization, including travel restrictions and eligibility rulings at the World Cup.
"I feel this is a test of whether FIFA has the ability to cleanse itself."
Kozo Tashima
Backed by the JFA, Tashima stated that his campaign is focused on sharing the values of integrity that Japanese football has cultivated. He remains a prominent figure in the sport, having previously managed high-profile decisions, such as the appointment of Akira Nishino before the 2018 World Cup.
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