Wenger Floated as Surprise FIFA Challenger to Infantino — SkimNews
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- Gianni Infantino looks increasingly likely to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final FIFA term next year despite backlash over his failed Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme to sell commercial World Cup stakes to private investors.
- Arsène Wenger is being courted by senior European football figures to run as a surprise candidate, though BBC Sport found no public sign in Zurich that the 76-year-old is preparing a bid.
- FIFA will propose a $3.4bn (£2.6bn) increase in football development funding at Thursday's Council meeting in Zurich, where Infantino also faces scrutiny over governance reforms, FFE, and his awarding of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump.
- Wenger publicly distanced himself from the FFE controversy, stating he was "not involved" and first learned of the project through media reports, yet remained in his role overseeing youth academies in 60 countries.
- Only former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has declared his candidacy, while Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin have said they will not run; Wenger has until 18 November to declare and would need nominations from at least five national associations.
- Infantino secured backing from all 54 African member associations after promising increased funding, strengthening a power base in Africa, South America and Oceania that makes any challenge — even from a globally respected figure like Wenger — an uphill fight.
Why it matters: Wenger's candidacy would need nominations from five national associations by 18 November, and Infantino's grip on all 54 African votes plus his Oceania and South America support means even a respected global figure would likely be outvoted. For UEFA, which is leading the rebellion, Wenger represents the rare cross-continental candidate — particularly given his stated aim of helping an African team win the World Cup.
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