The Fifa hopeful hoping to take Infantino down with 'samurai spirit'

Asked how confident he was in his ability to get the five endorsements, he said: "I have confidence. I already asked to some of the member association and [received] good replies so far."

He laughed when asked if he realistically hopes to win the election in Morocco in March, before saying: "Of course, of course yes, I hope I will win. It is not easy."

Tashima's campaign will centre on his philosophy for the role of Fifa president, which he described as one based on the "values of sincerity, soundness, fair play, and integrity".

Regarding the Balogun red-card incident, which involved US President Donald Trump calling Infantino to ask for the ban to be reviewed, Tashima said: "I have never seen the red card and the next game who can…