Wenger decides against challenging Infantino for FIFA presidency

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 09:37 · Archive

Arsene Wenger has decided not to stand for the FIFA presidency, boosting incumbent Gianni Infantino's re-election hopes.

Arsene Wenger has decided not to stand for the FIFA presidency, bolstering incumbent Gianni Infantino's prospects of re-election. The deadline for candidates to declare their intention to run is 18 November. Wenger, the former Arsenal manager now serving as FIFA's chief of global football development since 2019, had been touted as a potential rival to Infantino and was encouraged to stand by UEFA.

Infantino has faced significant opposition from European football's governing body over his controversial plan to seek private investment in a World Cup company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). A private investor group led by a company founded by Joshua Kushner were proposed to hold a minority stake. UEFA had hoped to identify a credible challenger to Infantino, with senior figures believing Wenger was the only person who could defeat him. Despite his respect across world football following his Premier League success and development work in Africa, the 77-year-old has chosen to back away.

The only individuals who have confirmed they plan to run are Kozo Tashima, a Japanese member of the FIFA Council, and Ramon Vega, the former Tottenham defender. Infantino has claimed he retains support in South America, Africa and Asia, insisting he has the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of world football.

How it is being reported

• Wenger decides not to challenge Fifa chief InfantinoArsene Wenger decides against running for the Fifa presidency, in a boost to Gianni Infantino's hopes of a fourth term.BBC Sport · 15 Nov, 11:28
• Arsene Wenger not expected to challenge Gianni Infantino for Fifa presidencyWenger’s decision acts as a major boost for the incumbent Infantino to get re-electedIndependent Sport · 15 Nov, 09:16
• Gianni Infantino's presidency hopes alter as Arsene Wenger makes decision on FIFA roleArsene Wenger has chosen not to stand for FIFA presidency, which will come as a huge plus to Gianni Infantino as he looks to fend off his opponentsMirror Sport · 15 Nov, 09:04

In this story: Arsene Wenger · Gianni Infantino · FIFA · UEFA · Arsenal · Kozo Tashima · Ramon Vega · Joshua Kushner

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log