Wenger considers standing against Infantino
Arsene Wenger (left) joined Fifa as chief of global football development in 2019 [Getty Images] Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering standing against Gianni Infantino as a candidate in Fifa's presidential election.
Key points
- The deadline for candidates to confirm they are standing against Infantino for the election in March is 18 November.
- Could Wenger really take on Infantino and run for Fifa presidency?
- But he also has a global profile, including in Africa, where Infantino recently received a major re-election boost when receiving the backing of all 54 member national associations after promising an increase in funding.
Sources close to Wenger say he is yet to decide whether to stand, and still believe Infantino would be favourite to win a fourth and final term in next year's election.
Amid the fallout over FFE, Wenger, who has traditionally been loyal to Infantino, distanced himself from the aborted plot.
Additional details
- "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." Wenger has caused controversy at times in his Fifa role, notably for proposals such as biennial World Cups and a "daylight" offside law.
- That followed a council meeting at which Infantino apologised for the abandoned sell-off plot but failed to explain how the proposal was devised, asking that questions be submitted in writing.
- Fifa's head of global development would have the backing of Uefa, which has spearheaded opposition to Infantino, and has credibility throughout the footballing world.
- "I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports," Wenger said at the time.
- Infantino re-election hopes boosted by Asia support after U-turn Fifa scraps controversial World Cup investment plan.
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →
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