Japan FA head Kozo Tashima to stand against Infantino for Fifa presidency

The Japan Football Association president, Kozo Tashima, ⁠has said he will run for the ⁠Fifa ​presidency in March.Gianni Infantino, ⁠who is seeking re-election, has faced opposition since his failed ⁠move in July to bring ​private investors into ‌a new ‌Fifa commercial entity holding rights linked ‌to competitions including the World Cup.Tashima told Sports Nippon: “I am grateful that I can make this announcement with the full support of the JFA. It’s not about winning or losing but about conveying ​to the world the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built. What Fifa ⁠needs now are these values that ​we ​have protected. I ​have decided to run in ​order ‌to make ​this ​appeal to the world.”Quick GuideHow do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?ShowIn the Guardian app, tap the Profile settings button at the top right, then select Notifications. Turn on sport notifications.If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.If you don't have the Guardian app, download it from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.The 68-year-old Tashima is a former Japan player who has been on Fifa’s ruling committee since 2015, when Sepp Blatter was president. He has a reputation as a respected, diplomatic and low-profile official in the often murky world of football politics.Candidates need formal support from five of Fifa’s 211 member federations, who will vote on 18 March in Rabat, Morocco. They must also pass an eligibility check by a three-member panel appointed by Fifa.