Wenger touted as possible challenger to Infantino for FIFA presidency; no bid confirmed

Centre · 1On 13 October, reports in British newspapers, including The Times, said Arsène Wenger, 76, was preparing to stand for the FIFA presidency against Gianni Infantino. RFI relayed these reports. 1 Centre · 2According to RFI, Wenger had been approached by senior figures in football. BBC Sport separately reported that senior figures in European football want him to run as a surprise candidate. 1 2 Centre · 1The BBC found no sign that Wenger is plotting a bid. He had dinner with Infantino and other FIFA Council members in Zurich on Wednesday evening. He is also due at Thursday's Council meeting. FIFA gave no comment when BBC Sport asked about his intentions, and people close to him would not say whether he is interested. 2

Centre · 2Infantino, 56, took over from Sepp Blatter in 2016 and is seeking a fourth and final term. He appointed Wenger head of global football development in 2019. In that role Wenger oversees youth development at academies in 60 countries and youth competitions, and he is a technical adviser to the rule-making body IFAB. 1 2 Centre · 2Infantino has been under pressure since the 2026 World Cup. Critics pointed to Donald Trump's alleged influence over a one-match ban on US striker Folarin Balogun, which was lifted before the US played Belgium in the last 16. The larger row concerned FIFA's Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, a now-withdrawn plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors. According to the BBC, it prompted calls from leaders in Europe, North America and Asia for Infantino to step down. 1 2 Centre · 2In August, Wenger said he was not involved in the plan and learned of it through media reports. He called its withdrawal "absolutely necessary and beyond question" and said he believed in "an independent Fifa". The BBC described this as thinly veiled criticism of Infantino and noted that Wenger has traditionally been loyal to him. Despite the row, he stayed in his post. 1 2

Centre · 1RFI reported that the French, Swiss and Belgian football associations have withdrawn support for Infantino's bid. It also reported that he faces legal action in the US from people seeking documents on the plan, and that complaints have been lodged with FIFA committees. The Belgian federation said it wants to raise Balogun's red card at Thursday's FIFA Council meeting in Zurich. 1 Centre · 2Only former Switzerland and Tottenham defender Ramon Vega, 55, has declared a candidacy, and the BBC said few rate his chances. Candidates must declare by 18 November and need nomination by at least five national associations. The election is in Rabat, Morocco, in March 2027. 1 2 Centre · 2Both outlets say Infantino retains a strong base. RFI cited the backing of Saudi Arabia and the South American and African confederations, and said CAF president Patrice Motsepe pledged his support. The BBC said all 54 African associations backed him after he promised more funding, and that he is expected to be re-elected even though only about half of FIFA's 211 members back him. 1 2

Centre · 1Supporters quoted by the BBC say Wenger has global respect, including in Asia from his time in Japan, and in Africa, and that he understands FIFA's development work. They say many FIFA staff want him to run. Sceptics doubt he would turn on the man who appointed him, and one senior European official questioned whether he "smacks of the future". 2 Centre · 1Sports executives quoted by RFI were cautious about any challenge. Michael Payne, a former IOC marketing chief, said everyone is surprised no serious candidate has come forward. Marketing strategist Terrence Burns said Infantino "holds all the cards" and that any challenger now "feels either performative or strategic to cut deals". 1