Wenger Considers Challenging Infantino for FIFA Presidency as Deadline Nears

Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is considering a bid to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, with a final decision expected this week.

Wenger, 77, is reportedly under pressure from key football stakeholders, including the European football governing body, UEFA, to enter the race ahead of the November 18 deadline for nominations.

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The Frenchman, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since November 2019, is widely respected in international football circles.

His possible entry into the presidential race comes as his current contract with FIFA is expected to expire at the end of 2026. Although the world football governing body reportedly wants him to continue in his present role, a decision to challenge Infantino could complicate that arrangement.

Infantino Faces Growing Criticism

Infantino’s leadership has come under criticism in recent months following the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in FIFA’s commercial operations, including the World Cup.

The proposal was subsequently withdrawn, triggering calls for the FIFA president to step down.

Wenger distanced himself from the initiative in a statement released on August 4, saying he had no involvement in its development and only learnt about it through media reports.

He described the withdrawal as necessary, insisting that FIFA should remain independent and operate with transparency and integrity.

The former Arsenal manager was also absent from a FIFA Management Committee meeting held in Rabat, Morocco, on August 5, where the organisation’s leadership expressed support for Infantino.

However, Wenger and Infantino were later seen together in Baku, Azerbaijan, in late October during the inaugural Under-15 World Cup and Festival.

Infantino Retains Strong International Support

Despite Wenger’s reputation and influence in European football, unseating Infantino could prove difficult.

The FIFA president reportedly maintains considerable support across Africa, the Caribbean, South America and the Middle East, in addition to backing from the Asian Football Confederation.

UEFA is also said to be considering alternative candidates and is expected to settle on a preferred contender before the November 18 deadline.

Any candidate receiving UEFA’s backing must first secure approval from its Executive Committee and European national associations.

Meanwhile, Japan Football Association president Kozo Tashima recently announced his intention to challenge Infantino.

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega also declared his interest in the FIFA presidential race in October.

What It Takes to Become FIFA President

Under FIFA regulations, anyone seeking to contest the presidency must obtain nominations from at least five national football associations.

A successful challenger will also need at least 106 votes from FIFA’s 211 member associations to defeat Infantino at the FIFA Congress scheduled for March.

With several potential candidates emerging and UEFA reportedly pushing for a strong challenger, the coming days could determine whether Wenger enters what is expected to be a closely watched FIFA presidential contest.

FIFA has reportedly been contacted for comments on the possible development.