Kozo Tashima, a FIFA Council member and former president of the Japan Football Association, has officially announced his candidacy for the FIFA presidential election in March. The 68-year-old Japanese official is the first from his country to run for the global role and has criticised the leadership of incumbent Gianni Infantino. Tashima specifically cited FIFA's decision to lift a one-match ban for US striker Folarin Balogun and the tough travel restrictions imposed by American authorities on the Iranian national team during the World Cup.

Tashima, who led the JFA from 2016 to 2024, said his decision to run was based on a belief that sport must uphold its integrity. "The worst thing would be if he [Infantino] were to continue without an election," Tashima said. He added, "I feel this is a test of whether FIFA has the ability to cleanse itself."

Criticism of FIFA's Management

Tashima's criticism of the treatment of the Iranian team during the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, resonates with fans. This comes as the Iranian national team is in a difficult spell, having lost its last two matches. The most recent result was a 2-0 defeat to Russia on September 29, with Alexander Golovin scoring both goals for the hosts.

With two consecutive losses, the team's focus now shifts to its next fixture, an away match against Palestine on November 14. This game presents an opportunity to halt the negative trend.

Tashima's Career Path

Tashima's background in football began on the pitch. Born in Kumamoto, he captained his team to victory in Japan's prestigious national high school championship and was called up to the senior national team. After university and a stint in Japan's amateur league, he moved to Germany to study coaching at the German Sport University Cologne. This practical path led him to management roles at the JFA, then to the AFC executive committee and the FIFA Council.

After stepping down as JFA chief in 2024, Tashima was named its honorary president. He is now the second person to formally declare a challenge to Infantino, following former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega. Infantino, who was endorsed by the Asian Football Confederation last month, is in a strong position to secure a fourth and final term. The deadline for candidates to declare is November 18.

Tashima stressed that his presidential bid is not about winning or losing, but about sharing Japan's football integrity standards with the world. He also questioned Infantino's failure to reply to his inquiries. As the national team prepares for a key fixture, these international debates over FIFA's governance will continue.

The original report is at google.com