The Fifa hopeful hoping to take Infantino down with ‘samurai spirit’

Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has announced his ambition to challenge Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency in the upcoming March elections in Morocco. The 68-year-old Fifa Council member stated he will draw on his "samurai spirit" as he seeks the required endorsements from five member associations, expressing confidence after receiving encouraging initial replies.

Tashima cited disappointment with Infantino's governance, specifically pointing to the overturned red-card suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun and abandoned plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. He aims to restore integrity, transparency, and fair play across global football governance, making him Infantino's first serious challenger.