Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is seriously considering standing against Gianni Infantino in next year’s FIFA presidential election.
Senior figures in European football have spent several weeks urging the Frenchman to enter the race, and sources close to Wenger say he is now giving the possibility careful consideration.
Wenger, 77, is FIFA’s head of global development and would have the backing of UEFA, which has led opposition to Infantino. He also retains a strong reputation across the international game.
However, questions have been raised about whether Wenger could offer long-term leadership because of his age. Some of his supporters have told BBC Sport they would be content for him to win the election and then step down before completing a full four-year term.
Wenger has not yet decided whether to stand, according to those close to him. They still regard Infantino as the favourite to secure a fourth and final term.
The deadline for candidates to confirm they will oppose Infantino in the election, which takes place in March, is 18 November.
Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega became the first declared candidate in October. Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has also announced his intention to stand.
Infantino’s position has come under pressure following the collapse of a plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The FIFA president retains support in South America, Africa and Asia, however, and recently claimed to have the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.
That support could be tested if Wenger enters the contest.
Fallout over FIFA Forward Enterprise
The controversy centred on the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme. FIFA said this month that “key documents” concerning the plan would be made available to members of its council, although they would have to travel to FIFA’s Zurich headquarters and access would be subject to “strict protocols”.
In October, UEFA gave FIFA until 2 November to publish details of the proposal and respond to questions about the decision-making process behind it.
At a council meeting following the plan’s abandonment, Infantino apologised for the failed sell-off but did not explain how it had been developed. He instead asked for questions to be submitted in writing.
Wenger, who has traditionally been loyal to Infantino, distanced himself from the proposal.
“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” Wenger said.
“The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency and integrity.”
Wenger has also faced criticism during his FIFA role over proposals including biennial World Cups and a “daylight” offside law.
His international standing could nevertheless make him a significant challenger. He is particularly respected in Africa, where Infantino recently received a boost to his re-election campaign after all 54 member national associations backed him following a promise of increased funding.
Wenger was regarded as a champion of African players during his time at Arsenal. His support for an expanded 48-team World Cup, intended to promote development in countries outside football’s traditional powers, has also been well received on the continent.
