ZURICH, Switzerland — Arsène Wenger is considering a challenge to Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, setting up the possibility of a high-profile contest for control of world football’s governing body. However, the former Arsenal manager has not formally declared his candidacy, and the race is not yet a two-man contest.
With the deadline for candidates to confirm their intention to stand approaching on November 18, senior figures in European football are encouraging Wenger to enter the race. The 77-year-old Frenchman is expected to make a decision soon, according to reports by BBC Sport and the Press Association.
Wenger has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019. His long managerial career, international reputation and current position within FIFA give him an unusual profile for a potential challenger: he knows the organisation from the inside while retaining a global standing built during decades in football management.
Wenger Yet To Confirm Presidential Bid
BBC Sport reported on November 10 that Wenger was giving serious thought to standing against Infantino, after senior figures in European football had spent weeks encouraging him to consider the role. The Press Association, in a report carried by The Independent and other outlets, also said Wenger remained undecided as UEFA considered which candidate it could support.
That distinction is important. Wenger is a potential challenger, not yet an officially declared candidate. His decision is expected before the November 18 deadline, and any bid would still have to meet FIFA’s eligibility and nomination requirements.
Wenger’s possible candidacy has attracted attention partly because of his standing across different parts of the game. As Arsenal manager from 1996 to 2018, he won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. His work in Japan and his advocacy for football development have also helped establish relationships beyond Europe.
Infantino Seeking Another Term
Infantino has been FIFA president since 2016 and is seeking another term at the election scheduled for March 18, 2027, at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco. He retains significant support among FIFA’s 211 member associations, with backing from several continental football bodies and national federations.
His leadership has nevertheless faced criticism following the controversy over FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed commercial venture linked to the rights and revenues of FIFA competitions. The plan, which involved the possibility of private investment, was withdrawn after opposition from UEFA and other football stakeholders.
Wenger publicly distanced himself from the proposal in August, saying he had not been involved and had first learned of it through media reports. He described the decision to withdraw it as necessary and reiterated his belief in an independent FIFA serving football with transparency and integrity.
The dispute has widened into a broader disagreement about FIFA governance, transparency and the role of the continental confederations in major decisions. UEFA has said it lost confidence in Infantino and has been seeking a credible alternative, while FIFA has rejected accusations of wrongdoing and defended its leadership.
Other Candidates Have Already Entered The Race
Wenger is not the only possible opponent to Infantino. Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima announced his intention to run in November, while former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has also declared an interest in the presidency.
Tashima has presented governance and a different leadership approach as central themes of his campaign. Reuters reported that he acknowledged the challenge of defeating Infantino and said he was seeking nominations from national associations. Vega has also indicated that he intends to contest the election, although candidates must satisfy FIFA’s formal nomination rules.
Under the election process, a candidate must be nominated by at least five of FIFA’s 211 member associations and meet the applicable eligibility requirements. UEFA is working to identify a candidate who can attract support beyond Europe, rather than simply represent opposition from one confederation.
Why Wenger Could Be A Significant Challenger
Wenger’s appeal to potential supporters would come from his football experience and his familiarity with FIFA’s development work. He is widely recognised by coaches, players, administrators and supporters, and his career has included work across several football cultures.
His potential challenge could also give UEFA a candidate with a profile that extends beyond the politics of European football. But recognition and experience alone would not guarantee the votes required to win. FIFA’s president is elected by member associations, each of which has a vote, and the outcome depends on building support across the global game.
Infantino has cultivated relationships with associations across Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America through FIFA development programmes and funding initiatives. That support base is a major factor in the election arithmetic and means any challenger would need a broad coalition to mount a serious contest.
A Defining Week For FIFA’s Leadership Contest
The days leading up to November 18 could determine whether Wenger joins the field and whether UEFA can rally behind one challenger. A decision to run would immediately raise the profile of the election, but it would not automatically make him the favourite or establish that Infantino’s support has collapsed.
For now, the accurate picture is that Infantino is seeking re-election, Wenger is weighing a possible challenge, and other candidates have already signalled their intention to run. The coming days will show whether the former Arsenal manager decides to turn speculation into a formal presidential campaign.
Sources: BBC Sport — Wenger considers standing against Infantino; The Independent / Press Association — Wenger weighs possible FIFA presidential bid; The Guardian — UEFA search for an Infantino challenger; Reuters — Tashima announces challenge and discusses election prospects; Reuters — Latest developments in the FIFA-UEFA dispute.