Japan's Tashima enters race to challenge Infantino's FIFA chair

Daily Sabah · Associated Press · 2026-11-06 10:36 UTC

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces his first serious challenge for re-election, with Japanese football official Kohzo Tashima preparing to contest the...

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces his first serious challenge for re-election, with Japanese football official Kohzo Tashima preparing to contest the presidency amid growing criticism of the governing body's leadership.

Tashima, a member of the FIFA Council and a longtime colleague of Infantino, intends to run against the incumbent in next March's election, Japanese media reported Thursday following a meeting of the Japan Football Association (JFA).

The 68-year-old is the first credible challenger to emerge since Infantino triggered widespread opposition in July with a controversial proposal to sell private investors stakes in future World Cup profits.

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