Tashima from Japan chooses to confront Infantino.

Kozu Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, announced today his intention to run against Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential elections scheduled for March in Rabat.

Tashima becomes the second person to declare his readiness to challenge Infantino, following former Swiss defender Ramon Vega.

Tashima (68), who previously served on the FIFA Council, stated: “With full support from the Japan Football Association, I have decided to announce my candidacy for the FIFA presidency.”

He added: “I believe it is essential to transfer the high values and ethical principles that Japanese football has always adhered to and promoted to the global football community.”

He continued: “In order to share these principles with the world and contribute to a better future for football, I have decided to run for the FIFA presidency.”

Tashima served as president of the Japan Football Association from 2016 to 2024, and he affirmed: “Based on the experience I have gained over the years, I will accept this challenge with strong determination so that I can contribute to the further development of global football.”

The deadline for announcing candidacies for the elections is November 18.

Infantino, who is seeking re-election as FIFA president for a fourth and final term, has faced severe criticism and calls for resignation following his canceled plan to sell World Cup rights.

However, the 56-year-old Swiss-Italian appears to be in a strong position to secure re-election after receiving support from the Asian Football Confederation last month.

Infantino has previously stated that he enjoys the support of the “vast majority” of member associations, rejecting calls for his departure, especially from UEFA.