Kozo Tashima challenges Gianni Infantino for FIFA presidency
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 12, 2026, 8:00 AM
Last updated Nov 12, 2026

Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, is positioning himself as a candidate to replace Gianni Infantino as FIFA president. Tashima aims to bring a quieter leadership style to FIFA, moving away from controversial headlines. At 68 years old, he is a well-regarded figure in football politics, with experience from Japan's unsuccessful bid for the 2022 World Cup. His campaign seeks to resonate with football stakeholders looking for change. Tashima's challenge marks a significant moment in FIFA's leadership.
- •Kozo Tashima aims to oust Gianni Infantino as FIFA president
- •Tashima is 68 and a respected figure in football politics
- •He hopes to lead FIFA with a calmer approach
- •Japan's past World Cup bid in 2022 is part of his background
- 8:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Less drama, more listening, but is Kozo Tashima the candidate to topple Infantino?
"Japan FA honorary president is hoping a calmer approach that makes fewer unwelcome headlines for Fifa will be welcomed by football Not many remember Japan’s bid for the 2022 World Cup, when the country finished the race with only two of the final 22 votes. Kozo Tashima was involved then, and now the honorary president of the Japan Football Association is going it alone in the hope of ousting Gianni Infantino. The 68-year-old Tashima is an unlikely insurgent and an unlikely challenger to Infantino. He is, however, a familiar and respected figure in Asian and global football politics, and ready to take the Fifa presidency out of the headlines into a quieter era. Continue reading...
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