Despite a backlash over his failed plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors, Fifa president Gianni Infantino looks increasingly likely to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final term next year. But could there be a sensational twist? Senior figures within European football have told BBC Sport they want former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to run as a surprise candidate.
But would the man who has been the governing body's head of global development since 2019 really challenge his own boss? On Thursday the Fifa Council meets for the first time since the emergence of Infantino's Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme plunged the organisation into crisis, leading to calls from leaders in Europe, North America and Asia for him to step down. Fifa is set to propose a $3.4bn (£2.6bn) increase in funding for football development. Infantino will also face scrutiny over governance reforms, FFE, the awarding of the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump, and disciplinary procedures in the wake of the Folarin Balogun affair.
Potential rivals such as Victor Montagliani of Concacaf and Uefa chief Aleksander Ceferin have said they are not contenders. Infantino has been touring the world, shoring up support in Africa, South America and Oceania. Only the former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has declared an intention to run, although few rate his chances. Wenger, who left Arsenal in 2018 after 22 years, is a senior member of Fifa's management team and dined with Infantino in Zurich on Wednesday. Fifa gave no comment on his intentions, and those close to the 76-year-old would not say whether he was interested.
Supporters believe Wenger commands the respect beyond Europe needed for the Uefa-led rebellion against Infantino to succeed. One senior official at a European national association said he is "a brilliant football man who truly understands football development," adding that he is "very respected in Asia" from his time in Japan. Wenger himself distanced himself from the aborted FFE plot, saying he was "not involved in this strategic plan." Those close to him say he is "in a really difficult position."
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing