Who is Kozo Tashima, the Japanese official running for FIFA presidency?

What the report says

Kozo Tashima, a long-time Japanese football administrator, has announced that he will run for FIFA president against incumbent Gianni Infantino in the March election, according to Al Jazeera. The 68-year-old would be the first person from Japan to seek FIFA’s top job. Al Jazeera reported that Tashima has built his career as a player, coach and bureaucrat, and is often seen as a cautious, dependable figure rather than a high-profile campaigner.

Born in Kumamoto in southern Japan, Tashima’s football path began after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics inspired him to take up the sport. He later played for Japan’s national team, studied coaching in Germany and returned home to work on football development. He went on to serve in several roles within the Japan Football Association, including president from 2016 to 2024, as well as positions on the Asian Football Confederation executive committee and FIFA Council.

During his time leading the JFA, Tashima oversaw difficult decisions, including the dismissal of coach Vahid Halilhodzic before the 2018 World Cup, which Japan still used to reach the round of 16 under a replacement coach. Al Jazeera said he stepped down as JFA president in 2024 and is now honorary president.

In explaining his candidacy, Tashima framed the race as a test of FIFA’s integrity and said it should not be led without an election. He has also raised concerns about FIFA decisions involving the United States and Iran, while saying his bid is backed by the JFA and is intended to support the wider development of world football.