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Wenger decides not to challenge Fifa chief Infantino
Arsène Wenger has decided against standing against Gianni Infantino in Fifa’s presidential election, strengthening the incumbent’s position as he seeks a fourth term. Wenger, Fifa’s head of global development, was seen as a credible alternative and was expected to have Uefa’s backing amid opposition to Infantino.
Uefa is still hoping to find another candidate before Wednesday’s deadline. Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima have expressed interest, but Tashima has not secured the required five endorsements. Infantino retains support in South America, Africa and Asia, while the backlash over a withdrawn plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup has raised questions about his leadership.
In short
- Wenger will not challenge Infantino.
- Uefa is still seeking an alternative candidate.
- Tashima has yet to secure five endorsements.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Infantino could argue that his backing across several confederations reflects confidence in his leadership and ability to maintain broad international support. They may also see the abandoned commercial-stakes plan as evidence that Fifa can respond when a proposal attracts serious opposition.
The case against
Critics could argue that a fourth term risks concentrating power and weakening meaningful competition for the presidency, especially if a credible alternative cannot secure the required endorsements. The backlash over the withdrawn commercial-stakes plan may also raise legitimate questions about Infantino’s judgement and how major decisions are made.
Explained simply
Fifa is the international body that governs football and organises the men’s and women’s World Cups. Its president leads the organisation and is chosen by member associations, which represent national football bodies around the world.
Gianni Infantino has led Fifa since 2016 and is seeking another term. Arsène Wenger, a former Arsenal manager, now oversees Fifa’s global development work; Uefa, the body for European football, had been looking for a candidate to challenge Infantino.
The election matters because the president helps set Fifa’s priorities and oversee its decisions. Infantino’s leadership has faced criticism, including over a proposal to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup that was later withdrawn.