Arsene Wenger heavily lobbied by UEFA to challenge Gianni Infantino for FIFA presidency

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is weighing up a bid to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, according to a report by GOAL.

Key stakeholders, led by UEFA, are actively lobbying the 77-year-old to stand as an alternative candidate before the November 18 declaration deadline. ​

The push comes as European football chiefs lose faith in Infantino following controversies over the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which sought to sell commercial and World Cup stakes to private investors.

Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s chief of global football development since 2019, publicly distanced himself from the scrapped project. ​

“I was not involved in its conception,” Wenger stated.

“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.” ​

An official announcement on Wenger’s candidacy is expected this week.