Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering contesting the FIFA presidency against incumbent Gianni Infantino in the March 2027 election, following growing pressure from influential figures in European football for him to enter the race.
Key Highlights
- Wenger, 77, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, is weighing a bid to unseat Infantino in March 2027.
- Senior figures in European football are reportedly urging the Frenchman to stand.
- Infantino is under pressure over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan to sell World Cup commercial stakes.
- Infantino still has the backing of all 54 African member associations and strong support in Asia and South America.
- The deadline for candidates is November 18, 2026; Ramon Vega and Kozo Tashima have already declared.
Wenger, 77, who currently serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, is reportedly giving serious thought to challenging Infantino, whose leadership has faced renewed scrutiny over controversial decisions and governance issues within world football.
According to BBC Sport, several senior figures in European football have been encouraging the Frenchman to stand, viewing him as a potential alternative to Infantino.
Although Wenger has yet to make a final decision, sources close to him say he is carefully considering the possibility. Some of his supporters are also reportedly prepared to back him even if he does not intend to serve a full four-year presidential term.
FIFA Forward Enterprise Controversy
Infantino’s position has come under pressure following the controversy surrounding his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, which sought to sell commercial stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.
The proposal sparked opposition, particularly from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), which demanded greater transparency over how the initiative was conceived and the decision-making process behind it.
Although FIFA eventually abandoned the plan, the controversy has continued to generate questions about the organisation’s governance and accountability.
Infantino apologised for the failed initiative but did not provide the detailed explanations sought by members of the FIFA Council.
FIFA subsequently announced that key documents relating to the proposal would be made available to council members at its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, under strict access conditions.
Wenger, previously regarded as an ally of Infantino, also distanced himself from the controversial project, insisting that he had no involvement in its development.
“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” Wenger said.
He described the decision to withdraw the proposal as necessary, emphasising the importance of an independent FIFA committed to transparency and integrity.
Infantino Retains Strong Support
Despite the growing calls for Wenger to challenge Infantino, the incumbent president retains considerable support across Africa, Asia and South America.
Infantino recently received the backing of all 54 African member associations after promising increased funding for football development across the continent.
His support in Asia has also received a boost following renewed backing from influential football stakeholders in the region.
Read also:
- Japan’s Kozo Tashima Launches UEFA-Backed Bid To Unseat Infantino As FIFA President
- Former Tottenham Defender Ramon Vega Declares FIFA Presidential Bid to Challenge Gianni Infantino
- Infantino Insists He Has Global Support Amid Fifa Leadership Controversy
Wenger, however, enjoys considerable recognition across the global football community, particularly in Africa, where he earned a reputation for identifying and developing African talents during his managerial career at Arsenal.
His support for an expanded 48-team World Cup, which he believes could create more opportunities for emerging football nations, has also been welcomed in parts of the continent.
However, his tenure at FIFA has not been without controversy, particularly over his proposals for biennial World Cups and changes to the offside rule.
The deadline for candidates seeking to challenge Infantino in the March 2027 election is November 18, 2026.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega became the first candidate to declare his intention to contest the election in October, while Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has also announced his intention to run.
Infantino is seeking another term as FIFA president, setting the stage for a potentially significant contest over the leadership, governance and commercial direction of world football.
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