Kozo Tashima to challenge Gianni Infantino for Fifa presidency

Kozo Tashima, the 68-year-old honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has emerged as the first major contender to challenge Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency in the upcoming March elections. To officially enter the race, Tashima must first secure endorsements from five member associations globally. He noted that he has already received "good replies" from the organisations he has approached since declaring his bid.

If Tashima succeeds in gaining the required support, he will face the difficult task of unseating Infantino, who has led Fifa for ten years. Infantino recently stated that he believes he retains the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of the football world. Tashima, who is a member of the Fifa Council, admitted that the task is significant but stated his desire to introduce "good change" to the governing body.

The former player cited his frustration with several of Infantino's recent decisions, including the retracted suspension of American player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup and the failed proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Explaining his motivation to seek the presidency, Tashima told reporters that he feels compelled to act.

"I know [Infantino] has a lot of supporters," he said. "Now I am alone and my budget is not enough but it is OK. My policy, my philosophy, I have to fight against him with my samurai spirit."

Tashima added: "I would like to make sure that the game of football is safeguarded and to be loved and enjoyed by everybody. We have to review the system in Fifa and build good governance."

He concluded: "In the uncertain situation of the world, sports - especially football - can present good values like fair play, co-operation, hard work, integrity, and show the model of the society. So, first to review and rebuild good governance and make football accessible for all with the principle of football first."