Wenger considers FIFA presidency run against Infantino, decision expected this week
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, 77, is weighing a challenge to Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, with a final decision expected this week ahead of the November 18 candidacy deadline. Wenger has served as FIFA's chief of global football development since November 2019.
UEFA officials are reportedly lobbying Wenger heavily to run, having lost confidence in Infantino following controversies around FIFA's commercial proposals. The European governing body's backing would be significant in any election.
For African football, the stakes are direct: FIFA's president controls World Cup slot allocations, development funding distribution, and governance reforms that disproportionately affect CAF member associations. Wenger's development-focused track record contrasts with Infantino's commercial expansion agenda.
The next few days will clarify whether Wenger enters the race. If he does, African federations will face a clear choice between a development-first candidate backed by Europe and an incumbent pushing commercial growth.
Will African football federations prioritize development credentials or commercial partnerships when the FIFA election arrives?