Kozo Tashima, the 68‑year‑old honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has announced his candidacy for the FIFA presidency on 5 November. Tashima, who has served on the FIFA Council since 2015, is positioning himself as a calm alternative to the current president, Gianni Infantino.
Unlike Infantino, whose tenure has been marked by high‑profile controversies, Tashima’s career has been defined by a low‑profile, listening‑first approach. He first came to prominence during Japan’s 2010 bid for the 2010 World Cup, where he impressed observers with his efficiency and willingness to listen more than speak. In a statement announcing his run, Tashima said, “It’s not about winning or losing but about conveying to the world the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built.”
Japan’s football community has grown increasingly uneasy with the perceived shift of power in Asian football toward the Gulf states. The Asian Football Confederation’s close ties to Saudi Arabia and Qatar have raised concerns about the direction of the sport in the region. Tashima’s candidacy is seen as an opportunity to restore a more balanced, principled leadership style.
Infantino’s relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump has also drawn criticism in Japan, where the United States is a key security partner and export market. Japanese officials have expressed disappointment in Infantino’s perceived closeness to Trump, especially given the broader geopolitical tensions involving China and North Korea.
While Tashima may lack the flamboyance and charisma of Infantino or his predecessor Sepp Blatter, his reputation for integrity and quiet leadership could resonate with FIFA members seeking a more measured direction for the world’s governing body of football.
Source: The Guardian World
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