Arsene Wenger weighs FIFA presidency challenge to Gianni Infantino

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering standing against FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the organisation’s election scheduled for March 2027.

Wenger, 77, has been encouraged by influential figures in European football to challenge Infantino for the leading administrative role in world football. Although he has not made a final decision, reports from Europe, including the BBC, suggest the possibility of a campaign has gained momentum in recent weeks.

Several of Wenger’s supporters believe he could provide a strong alternative to the incumbent and are ready to back his candidature. However, his age is viewed as a potential issue, particularly over whether he could offer leadership throughout a full four-year presidential term.

Infantino is expected to seek another term at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March 2027. The Swiss-Italian administrator first became FIFA president in 2016, succeeding Sepp Blatter, and was re-elected without opposition in 2019 and 2023.

His leadership has faced scrutiny over a number of contentious decisions. One proposal involved bringing private investors into FIFA competitions through the sale of minority stakes.

The plan prompted significant opposition among football stakeholders. UEFA also raised the possibility of boycotting FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, in response. The European governing body later withdrew that threat after receiving assurances that such ownership arrangements would not go ahead.

Wenger has continued to work in football administration since leaving Arsenal in 2018 after a 22-year managerial career. During his time with the north London club, he won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.

He joined FIFA in 2019 as Chief of Global Football Development and has since been involved in projects intended to improve football standards in different regions. Wenger also chairs FIFA’s Technical Study Group and takes part in discussions about the development of the game and potential changes to its laws.