Could Wenger really take on Infantino and run for Fifa presidency?
Fifa president Gianni Infantino appears likely to stand unopposed for a fourth and final term next year, but senior European football figures are backing former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger as a possible challenger. Wenger has led Fifa’s global football development work since 2019, putting him in the unusual position of being promoted as a rival to his own boss.
Supporters say Wenger is respected beyond Europe, including in Asia, and has the experience and football knowledge to unite opposition to Infantino. Infantino faces criticism over a proposed commercial investment scheme that was withdrawn, governance concerns and other decisions, while Fifa is due to propose a $3.4bn increase in development funding. Wenger has made no comment on whether he would run; former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega is the only declared candidate so far.
- Infantino looks likely to seek re-election unopposed next year.
- European figures are urging Arsène Wenger to consider running.
- Wenger has not said whether he is interested.
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Fifa is the organisation that runs world football, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. Its president leads the organisation and is elected by member associations from around the world; Gianni Infantino has held the role since 2016.
Arsène Wenger is best known as the former Arsenal manager. Since 2019, he has worked at Fifa on plans to develop football globally, so a bid for the presidency would put him up against the organisation’s current leader.
The contest matters because the president can influence Fifa’s priorities, funding and governance. Supporters see Wenger’s standing across football as an asset, while questions about Fifa’s decisions have added to scrutiny of its leadership.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A Wenger candidacy could give federations concerned about Fifa’s governance and recent decisions a credible alternative to an apparently unopposed incumbent. His football experience, international reputation and development role might help build support across regions and offer a chance to renew confidence in the organisation.
The case against
Infantino’s supporters could argue that continuity matters while Fifa is expanding development funding, and that his leadership has the backing of federations entitled to judge his record. Wenger’s experience in football development does not by itself establish that he wants the presidency or could command a broad coalition, and challenging his own boss could create uncertainty without a clear mandate for change.