UEFA must find another candidate to oppose Gianni Infantino after Arsene Wenger decided not to enter the FIFA presidential race. The former Arsenal manager had emerged as a respected potential challenger, but his withdrawal leaves European football facing a race against the nomination deadline.
Arsene Wenger has ruled out standing against Gianni Infantino in next year’s FIFA presidential election, dealing a significant setback to efforts by UEFA to challenge the incumbent. The former Arsenal manager, who has served as FIFA’s chief of global football development since 2019, had been considering a campaign after European football officials explored his candidacy. However, reports on Sunday, 15 November confirmed that he has decided not to contest the presidency.
The decision comes just three days before the deadline for candidates to submit their nominations on Wednesday, 18 November. The election is scheduled for 18 March in Rabat, Morocco, with candidates required to secure backing from at least five FIFA member associations. Wenger’s withdrawal is a boost for Infantino, who is seeking a fourth term after taking charge in 2016. UEFA has been searching for an alternative since relations with the FIFA president deteriorated over plans to bring private investment into the governing body’s commercial operations.
Infantino faces criticism over abandoned investment plan
The dispute centres on FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed commercial company that would have managed rights and operations linked to major competitions, including the World Cup. The plan involved selling a minority stake to private investors, with reports valuing the proposed business at around $20 billion. Infantino abandoned the project in July after opposition from several football authorities. He acknowledged that the proposal had created divisions, while Wenger said he had first learnt of it through media reports and described its withdrawal as necessary.
Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has declared his intention to challenge Infantino, although questions remain over whether he has secured the five required endorsements. Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has also expressed an interest in standing. Infantino, meanwhile, retains significant support across Africa, Asia and South America. UEFA’s search for a candidate capable of uniting opposition has therefore become more urgent, with Wenger’s decision removing one of the most credible names from consideration.
