European Figures Push Wenger to Challenge Infantino for FIFA — SkimNews
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- European football figures have told BBC Sport they want Arsène Wenger to run as a surprise candidate against Gianni Infantino, whose FIFA Forward Enterprise plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors has triggered calls from leaders in Europe, North America and Asia for him to step down
- Gianni Infantino is increasingly likely to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final term next year, having secured the backing of all 54 African national associations after promising increased funding
- The FIFA Council meets Thursday in Zurich for the first time since the FFE crisis erupted, with FIFA set to propose a $3.4bn (£2.6bn) increase in football development funding while Infantino faces scrutiny over governance reforms, the aborted FFE scheme, and the awarding of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump
- Arsène Wenger, who has served as FIFA's head of global development since 2019 overseeing youth academies in 60 countries, must declare his candidacy by 18 November and needs nominations from at least five national associations
- Potential rivals Victor Montagliani (Concacaf president) and Aleksander Ceferin (UEFA chief) have ruled themselves out, leaving former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega as the only declared candidate so far
- Wenger distanced himself from the FFE controversy, saying he was "not involved" and learned about the project through media reports, though he did not resign and remains in his FIFA role
Why it matters: Wenger's 18 November candidacy deadline gives Infantino's critics a narrow window to recruit a globally respected challenger. With Infantino commanding all 54 African federations and a $3.4bn development funding pledge as leverage, any opponent needs cross-continental appeal — Wenger's Arsenal-era reputation in Asia and Africa, plus his hands-on experience running FIFA's youth programs in 60 countries, could provide that. If Wenger declines, Infantino almost certainly wins a fourth term unopposed.
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