Former Arsenal legendary coach Arsene Wenger may challenge the long-standing leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The 77-year-old French football personality is seriously considering contesting the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March next year. A section of top European football officials is also keen to see him as a candidate.
This information was reported by the British media outlet BBC on Tuesday (November 10). Wenger currently serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development. Although there are questions about his ability to serve a long term due to his age, some close supporters have stated that they would have no objection if he were to step down before completing the full four-year term after winning the election.
Gianni Infantino, a 56-year-old Swiss national, has served as FIFA President since 2016. However, he has recently faced severe criticism over his plan to include private investors as partners in the commercial rights of the World Cup. Amid strong opposition, FIFA eventually backed down from that plan.
Despite the criticism, Infantino enjoys significant support among football administrators in South America, Africa, and Asia. He himself has claimed that he has the support of a ‘vast, vast majority’ of global football.
On the other hand, if Wenger becomes a candidate, it could create a strong alternative for Infantino’s opponents. He also has the potential to gain the support of UEFA, European football’s governing body, as UEFA played a crucial role in opposing FIFA’s controversial commercial plan. Stakeholders believe that Wenger’s extensive experience and international credibility in global football could also work in favour of his candidacy.
Wenger was once known as a close and trusted confidant of Infantino. However, he distanced himself from FIFA’s controversial commercial partnership plan. At the time, Wenger stated that he was not involved in that strategic plan and had first learned about the project from media reports.
Supporting the decision to withdraw the plan, Wenger said that the decision was absolutely necessary. He believes that FIFA should be an independent institution that serves football with dedication, transparency, and integrity.
However, Wenger has not yet made a final decision on contesting the election. Close sources have told the BBC that discussions and considerations are underway. The deadline for submitting nominations for candidates interested in contesting the FIFA presidential election is November 18.
Meanwhile, Infantino’s compatriot, Ramón Vega, has already announced his intention to participate in the election. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Switzerland national team defender declared his candidacy last October. Additionally, Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has also expressed interest in contesting the election.
The election for the new president is scheduled to take place at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18 next year.
Source: BBC