Tashima, a former international footballer and coach who has served on the Fifa Council since 2015, confirmed his candidacy on Thursday. He stated that he intends to bring values of integrity and sound moral standards to the global governing body.

The announcement follows a period of significant scrutiny for Infantino, particularly after a controversial proposal to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors was abandoned in July. That plan faced widespread backlash across the footballing world.

Tashima has secured the unanimous backing of the Japan Football Association board. To officially appear on the ballot, candidates must receive formal endorsements from five of Fifa's 211 member associations and pass an eligibility review by a three-member panel.

"I have decided to run in order to make this appeal to the world," Tashima said. "It is not about winning or losing but about conveying to the world the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built."

While Infantino has secured public endorsements from the Asian Football Confederation and maintains support from several other regions, Tashima is expected to receive backing from European and North American federations seeking a change in leadership.

The deadline for candidates to officially register their bids for the presidency is 18 November. Tashima is the second individual to declare his candidacy, following former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega, though Tashima is considered a more significant challenger.