FIFA Council Member Kohzo Tashima Reportedly Eyeing Presidential Run Against Infantino
FIFA Council member Kohzo Tashima reportedly intends to run for president of the global soccer body against incumbent Gianni Infantino, as reported by Japanese media from Tokyo.
Wilkes Barre Scranton Hazleton, PA, November 5, 2026 — A significant development appears to be unfolding within the leadership of global soccer. Kohzo Tashima, a member of the FIFA Council, is reportedly preparing to challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino for the presidency of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
The report of Tashima’s intentions emerged from Japanese media sources in Tokyo. Tashima, who has held a prominent position within FIFA’s governing body, has not yet made a public announcement regarding a formal bid for the presidency. The exact timeline for any potential candidacy or campaign remains unspecified in the initial reports.
Gianni Infantino is the current president of FIFA, having first been elected in February 2016. He was re-elected for a second term in June 2019 and a third term in March 2023. If Tashima were to formally enter the race, it would signal a contest for the leadership of one of the world’s largest and most influential sports organizations.
Details regarding Kohzo Tashima’s platform, specific reasons for challenging the incumbent, or the extent of his support base were not immediately available. Japanese media outlets were the source of the initial reporting, though the specific publications or journalists were not detailed. Further information regarding the process for declaring candidacy and the election schedule for FIFA’s presidential race would be necessary to understand the full implications of this reported intention.
The FIFA Council is the main decision-making body of FIFA, responsible for setting the overall strategy and overseeing the organization’s activities. Tashima’s experience as a council member provides him with direct insight into the workings of the international football federation.
As of now, the reports are attributed to Japanese media, and a formal confirmation or statement from Kohzo Tashima or his representatives has not been provided. The potential challenge indicates a possible shift in the political landscape within FIFA’s top leadership.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.2822news.com, see more information here.
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