Arsene Wenger set to step away from FIFA presidential race, report says

Arsene Wenger is close to abandoning a potential challenge to Gianni Infantino in the next FIFA presidential election, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

The former Arsenal manager had been viewed by Infantino’s opponents as their strongest potential candidate, but uncertainty over whether he will stand has left them searching for an alternative challenger.

Wenger’s position is expected to become clearer at FIFA’s electoral congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March. His name has been discussed as a possible rival to Infantino for the past two and a half months, although he has not made a final public decision.

The Frenchman began seriously considering a campaign at the end of August after becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the way FIFA was being run. At times, he believed he had a responsibility to act to prevent Infantino from securing another four-year term.

However, his enthusiasm for entering the contest has fluctuated. Wenger has also considered withdrawing because he believes it would be difficult to overcome the influence held by the current FIFA president.

His reservations have extended beyond the electoral calculations. Wenger reportedly feels that leading FIFA would take him too far away from the pitch, the area in which most of his professional experience lies. He has also been concerned about what the report described as the favouritism surrounding Infantino, further increasing the likelihood that he will decide not to stand despite opposing the current leadership.

UEFA candidate still unknown

Infantino’s opponents regarded Wenger as an ideal candidate because of his international reputation, his image for integrity and his experience in football.

Although he is European, Wenger has no formal link to UEFA. He is also respected in Africa and Asia, and worked for several years with all 211 FIFA member associations in his role as FIFA’s head of global football development.

His possible candidacy was additionally supported by a faction within FIFA’s administration that had grown frustrated with Infantino’s leadership and wanted an opponent to emerge from the international football community.

The disagreement between Wenger and Infantino became public over a proposal to sell shares in the World Cup. Wenger criticised the project, saying he had learned about it through the media, and called for it to be abandoned. He also demanded an “independent FIFA” that would serve football with commitment, transparency and integrity.

UEFA has repeatedly stated that it will put forward a candidate to challenge Infantino, but that person has not yet been identified.

The deadline for submitting nominations is 18 November. If Wenger confirms that he will not take part, Infantino’s opponents will face a race against time to find a replacement for the man they considered the leading candidate to oppose him.