Japanese FIFA Council Member Kohzo Tashima Eyes Challenge to President Gianni Infantino
Japanese media reports suggest FIFA Council member Kohzo Tashima intends to challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, following a meeting of the Japanese national soccer federation in Tokyo.
Dothan, AL, November 5, 2026 —
Kohzo Tashima, a member of the FIFA Council, is reportedly planning to challenge Gianni Infantino for the position of FIFA president. This intention comes in the wake of a meeting held by the Japanese national soccer federation in Tokyo, according to reports from Japanese media outlets.
Tashima, who also serves as the president of the Japan Football Association, has not yet made a formal announcement regarding his candidacy. The FIFA presidential election timeline and specific nomination requirements were not detailed in the reports. It remains unclear if Tashima has secured the necessary nominations from national football associations to formally enter the race.
Gianni Infantino is the current president of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer. His tenure has seen various reforms and initiatives within the organization. Details regarding the specific platform or agenda Tashima might propose were not provided by the Japanese media sources.
The Japanese national soccer federation’s meeting in Tokyo serves as the backdrop for these emerging reports. The outcome or specific discussions from this meeting that might have led to Tashima’s reported intentions were not disclosed. Further developments are expected as Tashima’s potential candidacy gains traction or is formally announced.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.wdhn.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
