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Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is considering challenging incumbent Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency in the 2027 election, with sources close to the Frenchman confirming that he is yet to make a final decision on entering the race.
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Wenger is expected to receive backing from UEFA members who have expressed dissatisfaction with Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell commercial stakes in FIFA’s World Cup business to private investors.
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The former Arsenal boss previously distanced himself from the proposed commercial partnership but welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon the project in August, insisting that an independent governing body committed to transparency and integrity was essential for football.
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Wenger has until November 18 to decide whether to contest the FIFA presidency, with candidates required to secure nominations from at least five of FIFA’s 211 member associations ahead of the March 18, 2027 election in Rabat, Morocco.
November 10, (THEWILL) – Former Arsenal coach, Arsène Wenger, is considering challenging Gianni Infantino for the presidency of FIFA ahead of the governing body’s 2027 presidential election.
Wenger currently serves as FIFA’s head of global development and is expected to receive the backing of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
UEFA members have voiced their discontent over Infantino’s proposed commercial partnership involving the World Cup.
According to BBC Sport, sources close to Wenger confirmed that he is yet to make a final decision but is carefully considering the possibility of challenging Infantino for the top position in world football.
Candidates have until 18 November to declare their intention to stand.
Infantino has been under fire since his controversial plans to commercialise the FIFA World Cup
Infantino has been under fire since he proposed to sell commercial stakes in FIFA’s World Cup business to private investors.
Wenger had previously distanced himself from the controversial proposal, insisting that he was not involved in the plan and only became aware of it through media reports.
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The former Arsenal backed Infantino’s decision to scrap the proposal in August.
Wenger 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,”
Despite the controversial proposal, Infantino continues to enjoy considerable support across Africa, Asia, South America and other regions.
Wenger must make his decision before November 18, the deadline for candidates to declare their intention to contest the election.
Under FIFA’s electoral regulations, presidential candidates must secure nominations from at least five of the organisation’s 211 member associations to qualify for the contest.
The election is scheduled to take place on March 18, 2027, during the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.
