Tashima Announces Challenge to Infantino for FIFA Presidency

Kozo Tashima has announced that he intends to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, with the Japan Football Association backing his bid. The announcement makes Tashima a potential rival to the incumbent ahead of the election scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco, but he must still meet FIFA’s candidacy requirements. Tashima, a FIFA Council member since 2015 and former president of the JFA, said he had decided to run and was grateful for the federation’s support. Japanese media reported that the JFA board unanimously backed his intention. The federation did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Candidates need formal support from at least five of FIFA’s 211 member federations and must pass an eligibility review by a three-member panel appointed by FIFA. Tashima’s announcement of intent does not by itself confirm that he will qualify for the ballot. Reports differ on the deadline for candidates to enter the contest: one gives November 17, while others report November 18. The election itself is scheduled for March 18 in Rabat. The supplied reports do not establish whether Tashima has filed formal candidacy papers or secured the required endorsements....