Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly considering a run for the Fifa presidency in March, potentially challenging incumbent Gianni Infantino. Sources indicate Wenger has not yet made a final decision, but his candidacy would carry significant weight given his global credibility and Uefa's backing. The deadline for candidates to formally enter the race is November 18.
Other challengers include former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association's Kozo Tashima. The election comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership, particularly over the abandoned plan to sell World Cup stakes and the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal. Wenger, who serves as Fifa’s head of global development, publicly distanced himself from the FFE plan, stating he first learned of it through media reports and emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity in Fifa’s operations.
Despite past controversies over his proposals—such as biennial World Cups and a revised offside rule—Wenger retains strong support, especially in Africa, where his advocacy for an expanded 48-team World Cup has been well received. Infantino recently secured the backing of all 54 African national associations, but Wenger’s potential entry could reshape the election landscape.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing