Japan’s Kozo Tashima to challenge Infantino for Fifa presidency
Japan FA honorary president Kozo Tashima will stand against Gianni Infantino in Fifa's presidential election in March. The Guardian reports that he has Uefa's blessing, but Infantino is still expected to win a fourth term.
Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, says he will run for Fifa president. He will take on Gianni Infantino in March's election in Rabat. Tashima is the second challenger to declare before the November 18 deadline. Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega was the first. Candidates need nominations from five of Fifa's 211 member associations to get on the ballot. The Guardian reported that it is unclear whether Vega has that support. Tashima should have no trouble securing it. According to the Guardian, Tashima is acting with Uefa's blessing. Uefa has led the opposition to Infantino since his failed attempt this summer to sell a 20% stake in Fifa's commercial rights. Tashima, a former Japan international, has many allies in Europe. He held talks with Uefa officials at last month's Asian Football Confederation (AFC) congress in Tokyo. Tashima told the Japanese newspaper Sports Nippon that he has the full support of his association. "It's not about winning…
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