Headline: Arsene Wenger Contemplates Run for FIFA Presidency Against Gianni Infantino
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering a challenge to Gianni Infantino in FIFA’s upcoming presidential election. For weeks, prominent figures in European football have expressed hope that the Frenchman would enter the race, and he is now seriously weighing his options.
At 77 years old, Wenger has garnered support from senior leaders in European football, with some indicating they would welcome his election even if he chose to step down before completing a full four-year term.
Infantino’s leadership faced significant backlash following his controversial proposal to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Despite this turmoil, he maintains considerable backing in South America, Africa, and Asia, recently claiming he enjoys the support of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.
However, should Wenger decide to run, it could challenge that support. FIFA’s head of global development, Wenger would have UEFA’s endorsement, which has led efforts against Infantino and holds significant credibility in the football community.
Sources close to Wenger indicate that he has not yet made a final decision regarding his candidacy but acknowledge that Infantino is still favored to secure a fourth and final term in the election scheduled for March next year. The deadline for candidates to finalize their entries against Infantino is November 18.
Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega was the first nominee declared in October, while Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has also announced his candidacy.
This month, FIFA has committed to making “key documents” related to Infantino’s controversial proposal available to its council members. However, access will necessitate travel to FIFA’s Zurich headquarters and will adhere to “strict protocols.”
Last month, UEFA granted FIFA a deadline of November 2 to release details regarding the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal and to respond to inquiries about its decision-making process.
This direction came after a council meeting where Infantino apologised for the scrapped sell-off plan but failed to clarify how it was developed, asking for questions in written form.
In light of the FFE controversy, Wenger, usually aligned with Infantino, distanced himself from the failed initiative. “I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” Wenger stated at the time.
He emphasized the critical nature of halting the proposal, insisting on the importance of an independent FIFA dedicated to the sport with transparency and integrity.
Although Wenger has stirred debates with some of his ideas, such as biennial World Cups and a “daylight” offside law, he possesses a significant global standing. His advocacy for an expanded 48-team World Cup, aimed at fostering development in nations beyond traditional football powers, has resonated positively in Africa, particularly as Infantino recently gained substantial support from all 54 member national associations by pledging to enhance funding.
