FIFA Council member Tashima to run as election candidate against Infantino, Japanese media reports

FIFA Council member Tashima to run as election candidate against Infantino, Japanese media reports

TOKYO: (Nov 5)  FIFA Council member Kohzo Tashima intends to run for president of the global soccer body against incumbent Gianni Infantino, Japanese media reported Thursday after a meeting of the national soccer federation.

Tashima is the first serious rival to Infantino to emerge since the FIFA leader provoked a furor in global soccer in July with a plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors.

Japanese newspaper Asahi reported that Tashima announced his intention to run in the election next March, and that board members of Japan’s soccer federation, JFA, unanimously agreed to back him. Sports newspaper Nikkan Sports also reported the news.