FIFA's chief of global football development Arsène Wenger has stated that Gianni Infantino's decision to withdraw from a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup company to private investors was "absolutely necessary and beyond question." The proposed plan to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and sell a 20% stake to private equity faced intense opposition.

The plan was rejected by three continental confederations, with UEFA threatening to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions if it was not dropped. Wenger, who oversees development across 60 academies, clarified that he was not involved in the strategic plan and first learned of the project through media reports.

Wenger's statement follows significant tension within the organization, including claims from FIFA's COO that staff had been "deceived." As European associations like the Football Association of Wales withdraw support, questions remain regarding Infantino's leadership and the future of FIFA's independence.