Arsene Wenger has been accused of damaging his reputation by backing FIFA president Gianni Infantino, with the former Arsenal manager questioned over whether he has become too close to football’s global governing body and its controversial plans.
The criticism was made by Daily Mail journalist Chris Wheeler, who argues that Wenger has gone from being regarded as “The Professor” – a hugely influential thinker in the modern game – to one of Infantino’s most prominent supporters.
Wenger praised Infantino in February to mark the 10th anniversary of the Swiss-Italian’s presidency of FIFA.
“Gianni is always ready to move forward and create new ideas. He is open to new ideas,” Wenger said.
Wheeler used those comments as the starting point for an attack on a series of proposals and decisions associated with Infantino during his time as FIFA president.
They include the decision to stage the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during the Christmas period and the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams for the 2026 edition. Infantino has also floated the possibility of increasing the number of participating nations to 64 for the 2030 World Cup.
Other measures and positions linked to Infantino have also caused debate, including mandatory hydration breaks at World Cup matches and FIFA’s decision to award United States president Donald Trump a FIFA Peace Award.
Wheeler describes Infantino’s latest and most serious proposal as a plan to open the commercial value of FIFA competitions to private investors. The proposed agreement could be worth £3.1bn and has triggered an international dispute, with UEFA among those threatening to boycott FIFA competitions in opposition to the project.
Wenger, 76, currently serves as FIFA’s chief of global football development. His position places him within Infantino’s inner circle and, according to Wheeler, among those who are believed to have known about the proposed investment arrangement. The article also questions whether Wenger may have played a role in helping to develop the plan because of his close relationship with Infantino.
The former Arsenal manager continues to lead projects viewed more positively. He oversees FIFA’s £160m talent-development programme, which is designed to support countries that lack established pathways for young players to enter the professional game.
Wenger also chairs a taskforce focused on player welfare, despite previously proposing that the World Cup should be held every two years.
However, Wheeler argues that the Frenchman, once seen as a visionary who transformed English football, is no longer using his influence to challenge what the article describes as Infantino’s self-interest. The journalist points to Wenger’s praise for the success of the 48-team World Cup format, while noting that Wenger acknowledged hydration breaks had not been welcomed by everyone.
The article also questions Wenger’s position on the proposed commercial deal involving the World Cup. Infantino has reportedly offered FIFA’s member associations £30m if they approve the plan by 19 September, despite widespread resistance and UEFA’s threat to withdraw from FIFA competitions.
FIFA has attempted to calm the dispute, saying: “No one is selling football. This is something FIFA would never accept.”
Wheeler remains unconvinced, arguing that Infantino has been exposed to the world and that Wenger, rather than confronting him, is “standing firmly behind him”. The writer describes Wenger as a “silent follower walking behind his master, Gianni Infantino” and asks whether the former Arsenal manager could be the “real mastermind behind FIFA’s stupid plans”.
The article’s criticism comes as Wenger’s public role at FIFA continues to combine development work and player welfare initiatives with support for wider structural changes to the international game.
