Arsene Wenger emerges as potential challenger to Gianni Infantino in FIFA election

Gianni Infantino is increasingly confident of retaining the FIFA presidency at the election expected to take place next March, but opponents are still working to find a serious candidate to challenge him.

The Times reports that efforts are under way to put forward Arsene Wenger, the Frenchman who currently serves as FIFA’s head of football development. Wenger is widely respected across the international game and is now being considered as a possible alternative to Infantino.

The deadline for submitting nominations is 18 November. Infantino remains determined to continue in the role despite the multiple scandals and ethics complaints surrounding his presidency.

The FIFA president’s potential challengers have so far failed to emerge. Aleksander Ceferin, the president of UEFA, has announced that he intends to seek another term leading European football, rather than contest the FIFA election.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of the European Club Association, has also confirmed that he is not considering a bid for the FIFA presidency.

Victor Montagliani, president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, is not planning to stand against Infantino either.

Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, who challenged Infantino in the 2015 election, has been mentioned as another possible candidate. However, it remains unclear whether he will enter the contest again.

According to The Times, those opposed to Infantino are hoping a credible rival can be finalised before nominations close. Wenger’s reputation within world football is understood to be central to the attempt to build a challenge around him.

Infantino has not indicated any intention to withdraw from the race and is continuing his campaign to remain FIFA president. The election is expected to take place in March, with the nomination deadline coming on 18 November.