Arsene Wenger rules out FIFA presidency bid in boost for Gianni Infantino

Arsene Wenger will not stand for the FIFA presidency at the election in Morocco, with the former Arsenal manager having made a definitive decision, according to Ben Jacobs.

Wenger had been widely tipped to challenge incumbent president Gianni Infantino and was presented by UEFA as the leading candidate to oppose him. However, the Frenchman is reported to have told senior UEFA officials earlier this week that he would not seek a term in office.

His decision represents a significant advantage for Infantino, according to Jacobs, who said: “He was seen as a credible candidate.”

Wenger had been considered capable of attracting support from several European countries, making him a potentially strong challenger to the current FIFA president. His decision not to enter the contest removes one of the most prominent names linked with the election.

The former Arsenal manager has worked at FIFA since 2019, when Infantino appointed him as director of football development following the departure of Marco van Basten. The pair have therefore collaborated for several years.

Other candidates linked with the election

The deadline for submitting candidacies is Wednesday, 18 November.

Kozo Tashima, the former president of the Japan Football Association, had previously been reported as a possible alternative candidate. The Japanese official has since announced his candidacy.

Former Swiss footballer Ramon Vega is also reported to be standing against Infantino.

The FIFA presidential election will take place on 18 March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco.