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Laura Scott Sports News Editorial Committee
Kozo Tajima (68), honorary president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), announced on the 5th his intention to run for the next president of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA). He will run against incumbent president Gianni Infantino.
Mr. Tajima is a member of the FIFA Council. A former player for the Japan national team, he also served as a coach for the U-19 (under 19) Japanese national team.
At a press conference, Tajima argued that it was necessary to convey to the world "something that is honest, wholesome, and has integrity." He said he wants to "contribute to a better future for soccer."
Infantino, currently in his third term as president, has been under intense scrutiny since it was revealed that he planned to sell his World Cup stake to private investors.
The FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative received strong opposition from the world football community and was withdrawn at the end of July.
Candidates for the presidential election close on the 18th of this month.
Infantino's reputation has been severely damaged by the controversy over FFE, but he has solidified his support in recent months.
Speaking to BBC Sport last month, Infantino said he felt backed by the "vast majority" of world football as he sought a fourth term as president.
His remarks came after the Asian Football Confederation announced its "full support" for Infantino following a change in policy from president Sheikh Salman.
Ramon Vega, a former Swiss national team member who played as a defender for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, announced his candidacy in October for the FIFA presidential election to be held in March next year. He is the first person other than the incumbent to indicate his intention to run for office.
This time, the strength of Infantino's support base will be tested as Tajima, who has been supported by the Japan Football Association, has emerged as a potential opponent.
Candidacy requires support from the five FIFA member associations. Like all candidates, Mr. Tajima must meet this requirement.
“Challenge with strong resolve”
At a press conference announcing his intention to run for the position, Tajima said, ``I believe it is important to firmly convey to the world of soccer the sincere, healthy, and integrity that Japanese soccer has cherished and built up until now.''
He continued, ``In order to convey this philosophy to the world and contribute to a better future for football, I have decided to run for the FIFA presidential election.''
He further expressed his determination, ``I will take on this challenge with strong determination, so that I can make use of the experience I have cultivated to date and contribute to the further development of world football.''
Japan Football Association President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said Tajima's announcement of his intention to run for the position was "a major challenge for him to utilize his experience and knowledge to contribute to the further development of world soccer." He also expressed the idea that ``It will also be an opportunity to show the world the philosophy and attitude that Japanese soccer has cherished.''
(English article Japan's Tashima to stand against Infantino for Fifa presidency)
