Arsène Wenger backs decision to drop Gianni Infantino’s World Cup sell-off proposal

Arsène Wenger in Geneva on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) said he supported the withdrawal of Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in future World Cup profits and distanced himself from the plan. Wenger described the decision to pull the project as necessary and said he was not involved in its development.

Wenger issued a statement saying: “I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” said Wenger, who was hired by Infantino in 2019 and is FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development. The statement, from the former Arsenal coach, did not name Infantino. Wenger added that the withdrawal was essential for an organisation he said should operate with commitment, transparency and integrity.

Infantino withdrew his $20 billion proposal early on Saturday (August 1) after a furious backlash by global soccer officials. That backlash included a warning from European body UEFA of a boycott of all FIFA games and events. The scale of the proposal and the reaction from federations prompted rapid public and institutional pushback.

Wenger wrote: “The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity.” He framed the withdrawal as consistent with his stated vision for FIFA's role in the sport.

The statement from Wenger followed a letter from UEFA's lawyers to Infantino that threatened legal action and named the French coaching great among 18 executives. That letter asked that data and communications be retained as potential evidence.