Infantino’s Japanese challenger claims he could unseat FIFA president

Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association and a 68-year-old former international, believes he has a 20 to 30 percent chance of defeating Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. He identified governance as FIFA’s biggest problem and said officials from eight countries had responded positively, though he has no formal endorsements yet. Tashima hopes to secure backing from at least six associations; candidates need nominations from five national associations to stand. Nominations are due by November 18, and Infantino is seeking a fourth term.