The Football Association (FA) and UEFA are at a crossroads, facing a decision on whether to back a challenge to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership. This comes as Japan Football Association honorary president Kohzo Tashima has announced his intention to run for the FIFA presidency.
Both the FA and UEFA have previously voiced strong opposition to Infantino, particularly following the collapse of a controversial deal to sell stakes in the World Cup. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin had declared Infantino "has lost the confidence of UEFA" and threatened a World Cup boycott. However, a credible challenger has yet to emerge from Europe, with Ceferin opting to seek re-election as head of European football instead.
At a recent FA Council meeting, FA chair Debbie Hewitt reportedly questioned Infantino's suitability for the presidency, citing concerns over the World Cup sell-off plan and the suspension of Folarin Balogun's ban following pressure from Donald Trump. "The man has to answer those questions, and if he doesn't answer those questions, no, he's not fit to be FIFA president," Hewitt was quoted as saying.
Despite this opposition, there is a sentiment that a European candidate might struggle to gain broad international support. Infantino, meanwhile, appears confident in securing enough votes for re-election.
Kohzo Tashima, a FIFA Council member and prominent figure in Japanese football, has become the first candidate to secure the backing of a national association. Tashima's bid could potentially split the Asian vote but he is reportedly well-regarded in Europe. The FA and UEFA are now under pressure to either support Tashima's candidacy or present their own contender.
Candidates require the endorsement of five national associations to run for the presidency and must pass eligibility checks by November 18. Ramon Vega, a former Tottenham and Switzerland player, has also publicly declared his intention to run, though his ability to secure sufficient backing remains uncertain.
Tashima expressed his gratitude for the Japan Football Association's full support in a statement to Japanese newspaper Sports Nippon. "It’s not about winning or losing but about conveying to the world the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built," Tashima said. "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."