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 encouraging the former Arsenal manager to enter the race, and sources close to Wenger say he is now weighing the possibility carefully.
Wenger, who is 77, could face questions about whether he would offer long-term leadership. However, 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.
Infantino remains the favourite to secure a fourth and final term, according to people close to Wenger. The election will take place in March, while candidates must confirm their intention to stand by 18 November.
Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega became the first declared challenger in October. Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has also announced that he intends to run.
A Wenger candidacy would be expected to receive the backing of Uefa, which has led opposition to Infantino. As Fifa’s head of global development, Wenger also retains credibility across the wider football world.
Infantino’s position suffered a major setback after the collapse of his proposal to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. He continues to have support in South America, Africa and Asia, though that backing could be tested if Wenger enters the contest.
Infantino recently said he had the support of the “vast, vast majority” of world football. In Africa, he received the backing of all 54 member national associations after promising increased funding, providing a significant boost to his re-election campaign.
Wenger has a strong profile on the continent. During his time in charge of Arsenal, he was regarded as a champion of African players, while his backing for an expanded 48-team World Cup, intended to promote development beyond football’s traditional powers, has been well received in Africa.
Dispute over Fifa Forward Enterprise
The potential challenge comes amid continuing scrutiny of the abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
Fifa said this month that “key documents” connected to the plan to sell World Cup stakes would be made available to members of its council. However, council members will have to travel to Fifa’s base in Zurich, and access will be provided under “strict protocols”.
Uefa had given football’s world governing body until 2 November to publish details of the proposal and answer questions about how decisions had been made.
At a council meeting, Infantino apologised for the abandoned sell-off plan but did not explain how it had been developed. He asked members to submit their questions in writing.
Wenger, traditionally a supporter of Infantino, distanced himself from the plan.
“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” he 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 himself faced criticism for proposals including biennial World Cups and a “daylight” offside law.
