Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is considering whether to challenge Gianni Infantino for the presidency of world football’s governing body FIFA, according to reports from several international outlets including BBC Sport and the German news agency dpa.
Wenger, 77, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, is expected to make a decision this week. The deadline for candidates to declare their intention to stand is November 18.
The presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, during the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.Senior figures in European football have been encouraging the Frenchman to enter the race.
BBC Sport reported that European officials view Wenger as a potential surprise candidate capable of uniting opposition to Infantino.
Sources close to Wenger told the broadcaster that he is giving the idea serious thought, though he has yet to make a public statement on the matter.
Some European figures have suggested they would support him as a short-term or unity candidate who might not necessarily serve a full four-year term.
The speculation comes against a backdrop of significant discontent with Infantino’s leadership. In August, FIFA abandoned a controversial proposal known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise, which sought to sell commercial stakes in the organisation’s operations, including World Cup rights, to private investors.
The plan drew sharp criticism from several confederations and led to threats of a boycott from UEFA. Wenger himself issued a statement at the time distancing himself from the project, saying he had first learned of it through media reports and that its withdrawal was “absolutely necessary and beyond question.”
He emphasised his belief in “an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity.”
Wenger was appointed to his current role by Infantino shortly after leaving Arsenal in 2018 following a 22-year tenure at the club. In that position he has overseen global football development initiatives, youth competitions and technical analysis.
His long career as a coach, during which he transformed Arsenal into one of England’s most progressive clubs and won multiple domestic titles, has earned him widespread respect across the football world.
Under FIFA statutes, any candidate must secure nominations from at least five of the organisation’s 211 member associations to appear on the ballot. Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016 and is seeking a fourth term, is widely regarded as the frontrunner after securing recent support from confederations in Africa, Asia and South America.
Other declared or potential challengers include Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima and former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega.
UEFA, which has been among the most vocal critics of Infantino, has not yet formally endorsed a candidate but is understood to be exploring options. Reports in The Times and The Telegraph earlier indicated that reformers had approached Wenger in the hope that his global stature could broaden support beyond Europe.
As the nomination window closes, attention will focus on whether Wenger decides to step forward and test the strength of opposition to the incumbent president.
