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Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly not expected to contest the 2027 FIFA presidential election, dealing a significant setback to UEFA’s plans to present him as its preferred candidate to challenge incumbent president Gianni Infantino.
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Wenger had emerged as one of UEFA’s leading choices for the position, with top executives of the European football governing body reportedly encouraging him to enter the race because of his vast managerial experience, reputation and understanding of football administration.
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Despite Wenger’s decision not to run, UEFA remains hopeful of identifying an alternative candidate capable of challenging Infantino before Wednesday, November 18, the deadline for presidential nominations.
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Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, is seeking another four-year mandate and has strengthened his position after receiving the backing of influential continental football bodies, including the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Asian Football Confederation.
November 15, (THEWILL) – Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, is not expected to contest next year’s FIFA presidential election, dealing a major blow to UEFA’s plans of fielding him as their preferred candidate in the election.
Wenger had emerged as one of the leading candidates UEFA considered capable of challenging Infantino.
The former Arsenal manager was reportedly encouraged by several influential figures in football to enter the race, with his reputation and administrative experience making him an attractive candidate.
Top executives of UEFA also encouraged him to contest for the position.
According to Sky Sports, Wenger has informed UEFA that he does not intend to challenge Infantino for the top position in world football.
However, his decision not to run means UEFA may have to consider alternative candidates ahead of Wednesday, November 18, the deadline for presidential nominations.
UEFA is said to still be hopeful of finding an alternative candidate before Wednesday’s deadline.
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Wenger has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since November 2019, following his departure from Arsenal in 2018.
UEFA’s search for a challenger to Infantino followed tensions over a controversial proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company that would oversee the commercial interests of FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
The proposal reportedly involved bringing in private investors to acquire a minority stake in the company.
However, it attracted strong opposition from UEFA and other football confederations before FIFA eventually abandoned the plan.
Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, is seeking another four-year term and has received backing from several continental football bodies, including the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Asian Football Confederation.
