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Former Arsenal manager and FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, has endorsed FIFA’s decision to abandon President Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup, insisting the move was essential to safeguard the integrity of global football.
Wenger’s intervention comes after mounting opposition forced FIFA to withdraw the proposal, which sought to sell a 20 per cent stake in the World Cup through FIFA Forward Enterprise to private equity investors.
The proposal triggered widespread criticism from football stakeholders, with three continental confederations rejecting the plan and UEFA warning it could boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions if the initiative proceeded.
In a statement, Wenger distanced himself from the proposal, saying he had no involvement in its conception and only became aware of it through media reports.
“The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side. At FIFA, I am the Chief of Global Football Development… I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” Wenger said.
He explained that his responsibilities at FIFA include overseeing football data analysis, youth development programmes, the FIFA online training centre and serving as a technical adviser to the International Football Association Board.
Wenger maintained that withdrawing the proposal was the only appropriate course of action, stressing the importance of an independent governing body.
“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,” he stated.
His comments followed criticism from FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, who reportedly said staff at the governing body had been “deceived” by Infantino over the investment proposal.
The controversy has also prompted several European football associations to withdraw their support for Infantino ahead of FIFA’s presidential election scheduled for March, where he is expected to seek a final term in office.
The Football Association of Wales confirmed on Monday that it had withdrawn its backing for the FIFA president, while the English Football Association is also understood to be notifying FIFA of a similar decision.
UEFA, which welcomed the withdrawal of the proposal, said it had nevertheless “lost confidence” in Infantino, while clubs within the European Club Association are also reported to have expressed concerns over the abandoned investment scheme.
Infantino’s proposal was designed to cover future Club World Cups and would have affected previously agreed plans between FIFA and European clubs regarding a joint venture for the commercial rights to the competition.
