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Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering standing against Gianni Infantino as a candidate in Fifa’s presidential election. Senior figures in European football have spent weeks hoping the Frenchman would run for the post, and he is now giving the idea serious thought.
Leadership Questions and Supporter Views
Wenger is 77 years old, which has raised questions regarding his ability to provide long-term leadership for world football. Despite his age, some of his supporters told BBC Sport that they would welcome a victory for him even if he stepped down before completing a full four-year term.
Gianni Infantino’s position encountered a severe crisis following backlash over his unsuccessful plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Although Infantino retains backing in South America, Asia, and Africa—and recently asserted he has the support of the vast majority of world football—that support could face a challenge if Wenger enters the race.
Candidacy Details and Opposition
Wenger, who currently serves as Fifa’s head of global development, would enjoy the backing of Uefa after the European body spearheaded opposition to Infantino. Furthermore, Wenger holds widespread credibility across the entire footballing community.
Sources close to Wenger stated that he has not yet made a final decision on whether to run, while maintaining the belief that Infantino remains the favorite to secure a fourth and final term in the election scheduled for next year. The deadline for candidates to officially declare their intention to run against Infantino is November 18. Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega entered the race in October, and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has also declared his intention to stand.
Controversy Over World Cup Commercial Plan
Fifa announced this month that key documents concerning Infantino’s controversial plan to sell World Cup stakes will be made accessible to its council members. However, members must travel to the Zurich headquarters, and access will be governed by strict protocols.
Uefa previously gave football’s global governing body until November 2 to disclose details regarding the disputed Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal and to answer inquiries about its decision-making process. This ultimatum followed a council meeting where Infantino apologized for the abandoned sell-off plan but did not explain how the initiative was created, requesting that any questions be submitted in writing.
Amid the controversy surrounding the proposal, Wenger distanced himself from the aborted scheme despite his traditional loyalty to Infantino. “I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” Wenger stated at the time, adding that withdrawing the project was essential because he believes in an independent Fifa operating with transparency and integrity.
Global Profile and Continental Support
While Wenger has generated controversy in his Fifa capacity through proposals like biennial World Cups and a modified offside law, he maintains a strong global profile. This includes strong recognition in Africa, where Infantino recently gained a re-election advantage by securing the backing of all 54 member national associations after promising increased funding.
Wenger built a reputation as a champion of African players during his tenure at Arsenal. Additionally, his support for an expanded 48-team World Cup aimed at fostering development outside traditional football powers has earned favorable reception across the African continent.
The deadline for candidates to confirm their participation against Infantino in the March election is November 18.
