Wenger weighs challenge to Infantino for FIFA presidency

Arsène Wenger is considering whether to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, but has not announced a candidacy. The election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.

Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development since 2019, remains among several possible candidates UEFA is evaluating as it considers whom to support. He is not currently its preferred choice and is still undecided, according to reporting attributed to the Press Association. UEFA is expected to discuss its position with its executive committee and member associations during the week of November 8, 2026.

Wenger’s possible run follows opposition to Infantino’s proposed sale of a minority stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise, a World Cup-related company. Three continental confederations, including UEFA, opposed the plan, which Infantino later abandoned. On August 4, Wenger said he had not been involved in the proposal and had first learned of it through media reports. He said withdrawing it was necessary and expressed support for an independent FIFA.

Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has announced that he will run. Tashima said he had...