Arsene Wenger Encouraged to Enter FIFA Presidential Race
Arsene Wenger is encouraged to enter the FIFA presidential race against Gianni Infantino, with potential support from football associations ahead of the 2027 election.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been encouraged to stand against Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, according to The Sunday Times.
The report raises the possibility of Wenger entering a contest for the leadership of world football’s governing body. His decision would be central to whether those calls develop into a presidential challenge.
According to reporting by The Times journalist Martyn Ziegler, figures seeking a change in FIFA’s leadership are considering the former Arsenal manager as a potential candidate.
Prospective candidates reportedly have until November 18 to submit their applications ahead of the election, which is scheduled to take place at the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2027. To enter the contest, a contender must obtain support from at least five national football associations.
Wenger currently serves as FIFA’s head of Global Football Development. A presidential campaign would therefore see him challenge the leadership of the organisation in which he already holds a senior position.
Now 76, Wenger has generally avoided public comment on the controversies surrounding FIFA. According to the report, he said he had been unaware of Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in World Cup tournaments to private investors. Critics of that proposal argue that it could threaten the character of the game.
Another possible challenger appears unlikely to enter the race. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, who has been viewed as a potential contender, reportedly does not intend to stand.
Whether Wenger will offer an alternative remains unresolved. For a challenge to become formal, he would need to agree to run and secure the required backing before the nomination deadline.
