Arsène Wenger is seriously considering a challenge to Gianni Infantino in next year’s Fifa presidential election, potentially providing European football with a credible candidate to end the Swiss administrator’s grip on world football.
The former Arsenal manager, now Fifa’s head of global development, has been encouraged to stand by senior figures within European football, with Uefa expected to support his candidacy. Sources close to the 77-year-old say no final decision has been made, although some supporters would be comfortable with him winning the election before stepping aside without completing a full four-year term.
Infantino remains favourite to secure a fourth and final term, but his position has been weakened by the controversy surrounding his abandoned plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
Although he retains considerable backing across Africa, Asia and South America, a Wenger candidacy could test that support. Infantino recently claimed he enjoyed the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.
Wenger has traditionally been loyal to Infantino but distanced himself from the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal, insisting he had first learned of it through media reports.
“The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question,” he said, calling for an independent Fifa committed to transparency and integrity.
Uefa has demanded greater accountability over the proposal, while Fifa has offered council members access to relevant documents at its Zurich headquarters under strict conditions.
Wenger would bring considerable international credibility, particularly in Africa, where his reputation for developing African talent during his Arsenal tenure remains strong. His support for an expanded 48-team World Cup has also been welcomed across the continent.
However, his Fifa tenure has not been without controversy, with proposals for biennial World Cups and a revised daylight offside law attracting criticism.
The deadline for candidates to declare their intention to challenge Infantino is 18 November, ahead of the March election. Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima have already entered the race.
