The former Arsenal manager is considering a run against Gianni Infantino ahead of the 18 November deadline, after the World Cup stake plan backlash.
Tamrah News Desk | November 10, 2026
The Arsene Wenger FIFA president question moved closer to a decision on Tuesday, when BBC Sport reported that the former Arsenal manager is considering standing against Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election in March. The deadline for candidates to declare is 18 November, BBC Sport said, and Wenger has not yet decided whether to run.
Sources close to Wenger told BBC Sport that he still believes Infantino would be the favourite to win a fourth and final term. Goal reported that Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, is expected to make a final decision this week.
Arsene Wenger FIFA President Bid: What We Know
The Irish Times reported that Wenger is 77 and has worked as FIFA’s chief of global football development since 2019. Goal said his FIFA contract expires at the end of the year, and that standing for the presidency would stop him continuing in the development role into 2027.
Wenger distanced himself from the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan when it collapsed. BBC Sport reported that he said he was not involved and learned of it through media reports. Goal quoted him as saying,
“I firmly believe in an independent FIFA.”
Some senior figures in European football told BBC Sport they would accept him winning and then stepping down before a full four year term. Inside World Football described him as a potential unity candidate who would serve only one term.
Will Arsene Wenger Challenge Gianni Infantino?
That is not yet clear. BBC Sport said Wenger would have the backing of UEFA, which has led the opposition to Infantino. The Irish Times gave a different account, saying Wenger is one of several candidates UEFA could back and is not yet seen as the preferred choice. The Press Association, as reported by RG, said UEFA is expected to discuss its options with its executive committee and member associations in the coming week.
To enter the FIFA presidential election, a candidate needs nominations from five member associations and must pass FIFA eligibility checks, Goal reported. BBC Sport said former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega was the first to put his name forward, in October, and that Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has also announced his intention to stand. Inside World Football said Vega may not win the support of five member associations.
How the FIFA Forward Enterprise Plan Put Infantino Under Pressure
The National reported that Infantino announced proposals on 28 July to seek private investment in the World Cup and other tournaments, and that FIFA scrapped the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan on 1 August. Khaleej Times reported that FIFA wanted to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling about 20 per cent of a new unit that would run its events, including the World Cup.
Sky Sports reported that UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC criticized the proposal. The same report said Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, said he could not stand by while FIFA considered selling a stake in the World Cup. Al Jazeera reported that UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told a clubs assembly in Copenhagen that
“the emperor is naked.”
BBC Sport reported that Infantino apologised at a council meeting but did not explain how the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal was devised. FIFA said this month that key documents would be available to council members in Zurich under strict protocols.
Where Gianni Infantino’s Support Stands
BBC Sport said Infantino retains support in South America, Africa and Asia, and recently claimed the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of world football. It added that all 54 African associations backed him after he promised more funding. That claim will be tested ahead of the FIFA presidential election.
Arise reported that Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa endorsed Infantino at a congress in Tokyo, reversing earlier criticism. It listed votes at the FIFA Congress as Europe 55, Africa 54, Asia 46, CONCACAF 35, Oceania 11 and CONMEBOL 10, and said Ceferin and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani are not contenders.
When Is the FIFA Presidential Election?
The Irish Times reported that the vote will take place at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March.
Conclusion: The Arsene Wenger FIFA president decision, due before the 18 November deadline, will shape the challenge to Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election. The FIFA Forward Enterprise row, UEFA’s position, candidate Kozo Tashima and the vote at the FIFA Congress in Rabat remain the key points to watch. Readers can follow more World Cup and FIFA coverage on Tamrah News.
-Tamrah News
