Arsene Wenger FIFA bid: Ex-Arsenal boss weighs up Infantino challenge

Arsene Wenger FIFA presidency talk has gathered pace after reports that the former Arsenal manager is seriously thinking about standing against Gianni Infantino. Wenger, 77, is expected to make his final decision this week.

BBC Sport, Sky Sports News and The Athletic all reported on Tuesday morning that Wenger is weighing up a run. Candidates have until Wednesday 18 November to confirm they will stand in next year’s election.

Arsene Wenger FIFA run: what we know

Sky Sports News said Wenger “is considering standing to become the FIFA president” and will decide “in the coming days”. The Athletic reported he is being lobbied by key stakeholders in the game, including UEFA, to put himself forward.

BBC Sport sports editor Dan Roan wrote that senior figures in European football have been hoping for weeks that the Frenchman would run, and that he is now giving it serious thought. Some of those figures told the BBC they would be happy for Wenger to win and then step down before serving a full four-year term.

Sources close to Wenger told the BBC he has not yet made up his mind. They also still believe Infantino would be the favourite to win a fourth and final term.

Why the Arsene Wenger FIFA push has started

Infantino’s leadership has been under heavy pressure since the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. The proposal aimed to sell stakes in FIFA’s commercial operations and the World Cup to private investors. It was launched and then scrapped after a fierce backlash.

UEFA has led the opposition to Infantino. Last month it gave FIFA until 2 November to release details of the plan and answer questions about how it was decided. FIFA has since said key documents will be made available to council members, but only at its Zurich base and under “strict protocols”.

Wenger has usually been loyal to Infantino, but he distanced himself from the plan when it collapsed.

“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports. The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency and integrity.”

Arsene Wenger, as reported by BBC Sport

Wenger has been FIFA’s chief of global football development since November 2019. His current contract runs out at the end of this year, according to Goal.

Who else is standing against Infantino?

Two challengers have already come forward. Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega was first, announcing his plan to challenge Gianni Infantino in October. Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has also said he will stand.

Infantino still has strong support in South America, Africa and Asia. He recently won the backing of all 54 African member associations after promising more funding, and he has said he has the support of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.

Wenger would be a far bigger name than Vega or Tashima. He is popular in Africa, where he was known as a champion of African players at Arsenal, and he backed the 48-team World Cup to help the game grow in new countries. He has also caused debate in his FIFA role with ideas such as a World Cup every two years and a “daylight” offside law.

What happens next for the Arsene Wenger FIFA decision

Wenger has until 18 November to declare. To get on the ballot for the election in March 2027, a candidate needs nominations from five member associations and must pass FIFA’s eligibility checks, Goal reported.

Arsenal fans will remember Wenger for 22 years in charge, three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and the unbeaten Invincibles season of 2003-04. A move to run world football would be the biggest twist yet in his career.

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