Tashima Takes Aim at Infantino: A Samurai Spirit in the Race for FIFA Presidency

Kozo Tashima knows the road ahead is steep as he prepares to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency. However, this 68-year-old football leader is fueled by his "samurai spirit" and a vision for change. To officially enter the race, Tashima needs the backing of five member associations from around the globe. The honorary president of the Japan Football Association has reported receiving positive responses from those he has reached out to since declaring his candidacy for the elections set for March. Should he secure the necessary endorsements, Tashima faces a monumental task in unseating Infantino, who has been at the helm of FIFA for a decade. Infantino recently claimed to have the support of the "vast, vast majority" of the football community. Sitting on the FIFA Council, Tashima is aware of the challenges but is determined to bring about "good change" within the organization. His motivation stems from dissatisfaction with Infantino’s recent decisions, such as the controversial handling of US forward Folarin Balogun's suspension at the World Cup and the scrapped proposal to sell stakes in the tournament to private investors. In an exclusive chat with BBC Sport, Tashima expressed his belief that FIFA cannot remain stagnant. "I know [Infantino] has many supporters," he admitted. "I might be at a disadvantage in terms of budget, but I’m ready to fight him with my samurai spirit." His aim is clear: to ensure that football is cherished and accessible to everyone, advocating for a review of FIFA’s governance structure. "In these uncertain times, sports—especially football—can embody values like fair play and cooperation," he stated. "We need to rebuild good governance and prioritize football for all." When asked about his confidence in securing the five endorsements, Tashima responded, "I have confidence. I've already reached out to some member associations and received encouraging replies." He chuckled when asked about the likelihood of winning the election in Morocco, but quickly asserted, "Of course, I hope to win. It won't be easy, but I believe in my chances." His campaign will revolve around principles of sincerity, integrity, and fair play, which he sees as essential for the role of FIFA president. Addressing the Balogun incident—where Infantino faced scrutiny over a red card situation influenced by a call from former US President Donald Trump—Tashima remarked, "I've never seen a red card like that, and it shouldn't happen in world football. Infantino has yet to clarify this issue." Tashima emphasized that many questions remain unanswered, expressing a desire to instigate positive changes based on his extensive experience in football administration over the past two decades. Adding to the mix, former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has also thrown his hat into the ring for the FIFA presidency, claiming to have secured more than five endorsements, though he’s kept details under wraps. Vega has attempted to run for the presidency three times before but has struggled to gather the necessary support. With Tashima stepping forward as a serious contender, the race for FIFA's top job is heating up.