Tashima Set to Challenge Infantino for FIFA Presidency in March 2027
Kozo Tashima, backed by UEFA and Japan's football federation, aims to unseat the incumbent president in upcoming elections.
In a significant development within the world of international football, Kozo Tashima has announced his intention to challenge current FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the top position in the organisation. This move comes as Infantino reaches the maximum allowable term limit set by FIFA’s statutes, meaning he cannot seek a fourth consecutive term in the 2027 election.
The Japanese football official, who has garnered unanimous support from his home nation’s football federation, JFA, is poised to make a strong case for leadership. Additionally, Tashima has secured backing from UEFA, adding weight to his candidacy and potentially setting the stage for a competitive race in the upcoming March 18th election in Rabat, Morocco.
Infantino, who has been at the helm since 2016, has already completed three terms as FIFA president. His tenure has seen numerous changes and challenges within the global football community, making the transition to a new leader a topic of keen interest among fans and stakeholders alike.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the race, Ramon Vega has also thrown his hat into the ring, although there is some uncertainty surrounding his eligibility to contest the presidency. This could mean that the path to victory for Tashima may not be entirely straightforward, despite the strong support he has already secured.
What we know
- Kozo Tashima plans to run for FIFA presidency. 12
- Gianni Infantino is the incumbent FIFA president. 12
- Gianni Infantino cannot run for a fourth term as FIFA president in 2027. 3
- UEFA supports Kozo Tashima's candidacy. 1
- Kozo Tashima received unanimous support from JFA for his bid. 2
- The FIFA presidential election will take place on March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. 2
- Gianni Infantino has already served three terms as FIFA president. 3
- Ramon Vega is also challenging for the FIFA presidency. 1
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 75%, weighted across 8 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed Kozo Tashima plans to run for FIFA presidency. (86%)
- likely Gianni Infantino cannot run for a fourth term as FIFA president in 2027 due to FIFA's statutes. (71%)
- confirmed Gianni Infantino is the incumbent FIFA president. (86%)
- likely UEFA supports Kozo Tashima's candidacy for FIFA presidency. (72%)
- likely Kozo Tashima received unanimous support from Japan's football federation, JFA, for his bid. (71%)
- likely The FIFA presidential election will take place on March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. (71%)
- likely Gianni Infantino has already served three terms as FIFA president. (71%)
- likely Ramon Vega is also challenging for the FIFA presidency, though his eligibility is uncertain. (72%)
Sources
- The Guardian Sport — Japan FA head Kozo Tashima to stand against Infantino for Fifa presidency
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/05/japan-fa-head-kozo-tashima-stand-against-gianni-infantino-for-fifa-president - ESPN Soccer — Reports: FIFA Council's Tashima to challenge Infantino in March elections
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/50387286/fifa-council-japan-tashima-challenge-infantino-reports - Al Jazeera — FIFA’s Infantino ineligible for re-election, says former governance chief
https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/11/4/fifas-infantino-ineligible-for-re-election-says-former-governance-chief?traffic_source=rss