Wenger may run for FIFA presidency

Arsène Wenger, the former Arsenal manager, is reportedly considering a bid for FIFA’s presidency, which will be contested in March 2027. The move comes as FIFA faces internal challenges and uncertainty ahead of the election in Rabat, Morocco.

FIFA's recent crisis

FIFA has been recovering from a major controversy involving a failed initiative to sell part of its commercial operations to private investors linked to Donald Trump. The plan, known as "FIFA Forward Enterprise," aimed to raise $4.2 billion but faced strong opposition and was abandoned in August 2024.

Infantino's weakened position

Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s current president, has seen his influence wane after the failure of the project. Despite being re-elected unopposed in 2023, he lost support from key regional football associations and even the European Commission, which criticized the lack of transparency.

Wenger's potential candidacy

According to the Times, Wenger is being discussed as a potential candidate. The 76-year-old former coach, who has worked for FIFA since 2019, has recently distanced himself from Infantino’s leadership, criticizing the abandoned project as necessary to maintain FIFA’s integrity.

Wenger's background and stance

Wenger has long been respected internationally and is known for his principled approach. His public break with Infantino came after he learned of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan through the media, which he called "absolutely necessary" to restore FIFA’s credibility.

Election timeline and competition

Candidates, including Wenger and Ramon Vega, must officially submit their nominations by November 18. While Infantino still holds advantages, Wenger’s entry into the race could shift the political landscape of the upcoming election.