Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japanese Football Association (JFA), will challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, according to reports.
Infantino’s position appeared under threat after a dropped plan for private investment in the World Cup caused consternation, but he has rallied and now looks to be in a strong position to win a fourth term at FIFA Congress in Morocco next year.
However, it has been reported that Tashima intends to stand against him.
“I am grateful that I can make this announcement with the full support of the JFA,” he is reported to have told 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.
“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.”
UEFA said it had “lost confidence” in Infantino over the World Cup private investor plan and has pledged to identify a credible alternative candidate to stand against the Swiss.
The Press Association understands that work is continuing and that a number of candidates are still being considered and sounded out.
European football’s governing body has been contacted for comment regarding Tashima’s announcement.
Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has also announced his intention to be a rival candidate to Infantino.
The deadline for candidates to be submitted is November 18.