Morocco set to host FIFA presidential election as Arsene Wenger considers challenging Infantino

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering a run for the FIFA presidency, potentially setting up a challenge against incumbent Gianni Infantino in the 2027 election, according to The Telegraph.

The 77-year-old Frenchman, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, is being considered by European football officials searching for an alternative candidate to Infantino.

However, Wenger has yet to make a final decision on whether to enter the race and is not currently regarded as UEFA’s preferred choice.

Senior figures within European football have reportedly encouraged the former Arsenal manager to consider a presidential bid, believing his experience and reputation could help him attract support beyond Europe.

Wenger spent 22 years in charge of Arsenal before leaving the Premier League club in 2018. He subsequently joined FIFA, where he has overseen football development initiatives across the world.

UEFA searches for Infantino challenger

UEFA’s search for a potential challenger follows disagreements with Infantino over his leadership of world football’s governing body.

Tensions increased earlier this year after the FIFA president proposed selling a minority stake in the organisation’s commercial operations to private investors.

The proposal, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, faced opposition from several continental confederations, including UEFA, before it was eventually abandoned.

Wenger also publicly criticised the initiative in August, arguing that FIFA should remain independent and committed to transparency and integrity.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out of the presidential race, instead confirming his intention to seek another term at the helm of European football’s governing body.

European football officials are expected to hold further discussions in the coming days to identify a candidate who could secure their collective backing.

Morocco to host 2027 FIFA presidential election

Infantino, 56, has already declared his intention to seek a fourth term as FIFA president, a position he has held since February 2016.

He could face competition from Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, who has announced his intention to run.

Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has also declared his candidacy.

Potential candidates must obtain nominations from at least five FIFA member associations before the November 18 deadline to qualify for the election.

The presidential vote is scheduled for March 18, 2027, during the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.

The North African country will therefore take centre stage in world football as delegates gather to decide who will lead FIFA for the next presidential term.