Could Arsene Wenger Challenge Gianni Infantino for FIFA Presidency?

Arsene Wenger took on a significant role at FIFA as the chief of global football development in 2019. Despite facing criticism for his controversial proposal to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup, Gianni Infantino looks poised to secure a fourth term as FIFA president without any serious opposition next year. However, a surprising twist may be in the works. Key players in European football have hinted to BBC Sport that they would like to see Wenger enter the race as an unexpected candidate. But would Wenger, who has been working under Infantino since 2019, actually consider running against his superior? What’s fueling this support? This Thursday, FIFA Council will convene for the first time since Infantino's Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative led to a crisis, prompting calls for his resignation from leaders in Europe, North America, and Asia. Infantino will face his critics during what promises to be a heated meeting in Zurich. FIFA is expected to propose a substantial $3.4 billion increase for football development funding. Yet, Infantino will also have to address questions regarding governance reforms, the FFE, and the controversial awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to former US President Donald Trump, not to mention recent disciplinary issues surrounding the Folarin Balogun case. Amidst all this, one glaring issue remains: the absence of a strong candidate to challenge Infantino's rule. While potential contenders like Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin have made it clear they are not interested in running, Infantino has been busy solidifying his support globally. Despite only having backing from around half of FIFA's 211 members, Infantino seems to have strong support in Africa, South America, and Oceania, making his reelection likely. So far, the only declared candidate is former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega, whose chances of success are viewed skeptically. Could Wenger be the answer that many are looking for? In Zurich, there are no signs that he is preparing to launch a bid. Just last night, Wenger shared a dinner with Infantino and other council members. As a senior member of FIFA, he is also set to attend the upcoming meeting. When BBC Sport inquired about his presidential ambitions, FIFA offered no comment. Those close to the 76-year-old, who left Arsenal in 2018 after an illustrious 22-year tenure, have stayed tight-lipped about whether he is contemplating a run. One person close to Wenger suggested he would be an excellent candidate but emphasized that he operates on his own terms. Meanwhile, a high-ranking FIFA official admitted they had no insight into whether Wenger was considering a challenge. What is evident is that Wenger has supporters who believe he has the respect and credibility necessary to unite the game against Infantino. "He’s a brilliant football mind who truly gets football development because he’s been in charge of it," said a senior official from a European national association. "He’s not seen solely as a European figure; he’s respected in Asia due to his time in Japan. Many believe he would be the perfect candidate. For him, it’s not about ego or money; he genuinely loves the sport. He understands FIFA and has made a difficult role work effectively." However, his position is precarious. Recently, amid the FFE fallout, Wenger distanced himself from Infantino's controversial plans, stating, "I was not involved in this strategic plan and only learned about it through media reports. The decision to withdraw was crucial, as I believe in a FIFA that is independent and committed to the game." Some might have expected Wenger to resign in light of this controversy, especially given his apparent criticism of Infantino and being left out of the loop. Instead, he continues to oversee youth development across 60 countries and serves as a technical advisor to the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Wenger has stirred the pot with some of his ideas, like proposing biennial World Cups and altering offside rules. Yet, his global reputation remains strong, especially in Africa, where Infantino recently bolstered his reelection chances by promising increased funding to all 54 member national associations. Wenger’s advocacy for an expanded 48-team World Cup has been well received in Africa, where he recently spoke at a Confederation of African Football conference, declaring, "We want to see an African team win the World Cup, and the numbers show that it is feasible." Such sentiments would only enhance his profile should he decide to run. BBC Sport has learned that many FIFA staff members are rooting for Wenger and believe he could help reshape the organization's image. However, skepticism remains. One well-informed FIFA insider expressed doubt, stating, "I’d be shocked if Wenger took a stand against the man who brought him on board. Arsene has had some pretty unconventional ideas, and when it comes to the administration of the game, it’s a complex landscape."