Could Arsene Wenger run for FIFA presidency against Infantino
European football figures are urging former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to run as a candidate against FIFA president Gianni Infantino next year.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- European football leaders are pushing Arsene Wenger to run for FIFA president.
- Gianni Infantino faces severe backlash over the controversial FFE scheme.
- Wenger faces a November 18 deadline to officially declare his candidacy.
European football is abuzz with speculation as senior figures within the continent urge former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to stage a surprise challenge against FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the upcoming election next year.
This push comes in the wake of mounting internal crises at FIFA, triggered by Infantino's aborted Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme. The controversy has prompted leaders from Europe, North America, and Asia to call for his resignation, even though Infantino retains solid backing in Africa, South America, and Oceania.
During the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Infantino is set to face intense scrutiny over governance reforms, the FFE project, the awarding of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump, and disciplinary procedures following the Folarin Balogun affair. Aside from former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega, few viable challengers have emerged to stop Infantino from securing a fourth term.
Photo by charlesdeluvio / Unsplash
Wenger, who has served as FIFA's head of global development since 2019, has not publicly commented on whether he intends to run. However, insiders close to the 76-year-old suggest he commands the global respect and cross-continental backing necessary to mount a credible challenge against the incumbent president.
The prospect of Wenger running highlights a strategic effort by European associations to find a universally respected figure capable of reforming FIFA's governance. Despite his traditional loyalty to Infantino and his ongoing youth development projects across 60 countries, Wenger's global profile gives him unique leverage if he chooses to enter the race.
"We want to see an African team win the World Cup, and the numbers show that it is feasible."
Arsene Wenger
Should Wenger decide to pursue the presidency, he must formally declare his candidacy by November 18 and secure nominations from at least five national football associations.
Source: BBC Sport
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