Wenger considering challenge to Infantino in FIFA presidential contest
Arsene Wenger is weighing a challenge to Gianni Infantino in FIFA's presidential election in March, the BBC reported on 10 November 2026. The former Arsenal manager, who joined Fifa as chief of global football development in 2019, is said to be giving the idea serious consideration.
Wenger is 77 and senior figures in European football had been pressing for him to run for weeks; some of those figures have told BBC Sport they would accept him winning and then standing down before completing a full four-year term. Infantino's position has been weakened by the backlash over his failed plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup, but he still retains support in South America, Africa and Asia.
If Wenger enters the race, his candidacy would pose a direct test of Infantino's backing: sources close to Wenger say he has not decided yet, and they continue to view Infantino as the favourite to secure a fourth and final term. UEFA has led opposition to Infantino and is expected to support Wenger should he stand, while the Frenchman is described as having credibility across world football.
Other declared hopefuls already include former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega, who was the first to put his name forward in October, and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima, who has also announced his intention to stand. The field could expand before the candidacy deadline.
Fifa has said that "key documents" relating to Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup will be made available to members of its council, but those members must travel to its Zurich base and view the material under "strict protocols". Last month Uefa set a 2 November deadline for Fifa to release details of the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal and to answer questions about its decision-making.
That demand followed a council meeting in which Infantino apologised for the abandoned sell-off plot but did not explain how the proposal was devised, instead asking that questions be submitted in writing. Amid the fallout over FFE, Wenger—traditionally seen as loyal to Infantino—publicly distanced himself from the project, saying: "I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports," Wenger said at the time. "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."
Wenger has drawn controversy in his Fifa role for proposals such as biennial World Cups and a "daylight" offside law, but he also maintains a global profile, particularly in Africa. Infantino recently received a major re-election boost when he secured the backing of all 54 member national associations after promising an increase in funding, and Infantino has said he enjoys the support of the "vast, vast majority" of world football.
The deadline for candidates to confirm they are standing against Infantino for the election in March is 18 November.