WENGER WEIGHS BID TO UNSEAT INFANTINO AS FIFA PRESIDENT
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
Former Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, is giving serious consideration to challenging Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency.
The 77-year-old Frenchman, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, has reportedly been encouraged by several senior figures in European football to contest the position.
According to BBC Sport on Tuesday, sources close to Wenger disclosed that he has yet to make a final decision but is carefully weighing the possibility of entering the race.
Prospective candidates have until November 18 to formally declare their intention to contest the election.
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The election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, during the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.
Infantino’s leadership has faced mounting criticism following the collapse of his proposal to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors, a plan that attracted widespread opposition.
Despite the controversy, the Swiss official has maintained that he enjoys the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of the global football community and remains the favourite to secure a fourth and final term.
Wenger had earlier distanced himself from the abandoned commercial proposal, insisting that he was not involved in its development.
“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” he said.
He added that withdrawing the proposal was necessary, stressing his commitment to an independent FIFA built on transparency, integrity and service to football.
Some of Wenger’s supporters have reportedly indicated that they would be comfortable with him serving as a transitional president, potentially stepping down before completing a full four-year tenure.
His longstanding reputation in international football, particularly across Africa, is also considered a potential advantage if he decides to challenge Infantino.
Two other individuals have already declared their interest in the presidency: former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima.
Although Infantino continues to enjoy considerable support across Africa, Asia and parts of South America, a formal challenge from Wenger could represent the strongest test of his leadership since the controversy surrounding the World Cup commercial proposal.
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