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Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is considering a bid to unseat Gianni Infantino as FIFA president, in what could become the strongest challenge yet to the Swiss official’s leadership.
Wenger, 77, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, is reportedly weighing calls from influential European football figures to enter the race.
BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that people close to the Frenchman said he had not made a final decision but was giving the possibility serious consideration.
The deadline for candidates to declare their intention to contest the election is November 18, while the vote is scheduled for March 18, 2027, at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.
Pressure on Infantino has increased following the collapse of his proposal to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The plan attracted widespread criticism before it was abandoned.
Despite the controversy, Infantino has maintained that he enjoys the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of world football and remains the favourite to secure a fourth and final term.
Wenger had earlier distanced himself from the abandoned proposal, insisting that he was not involved in its development and only learnt about it through media reports.
“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” he said.
“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.”
Some of those encouraging Wenger to contest the election are reportedly open to him serving as a transitional president before stepping down ahead of the end of a full four-year term.
His long-standing reputation in world football, particularly across Africa, is considered an advantage if he decides to challenge Infantino. However, the FIFA president retains considerable support across Africa, Asia and parts of South America.
Wenger would join former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima, who have already declared interest in the presidency, if he enters the contest.
