Arsene Wenger Explores Potential Challenge to Gianni Infantino in FIFA Presidential Race

Arsene Wenger could emerge as a surprise challenger to Gianni Infantino in the next FIFA presidential election. The former Arsenal manager is reportedly considering a candidacy, though he has not made a final decision, according to the BBC.

Wenger, 77, has served as FIFA’s chief of global football development since 2019, giving him deep knowledge of the organization and making him a formidable opponent for Infantino. French outlet L’Équipe reported over the weekend that he is “tempted” to run and has been deliberating for several weeks.

UEFA is reportedly behind the effort, seeking a credible alternative to Infantino after the summer controversy over his plan to sell a minority stake in a World Cup company to private investors.

Three continental confederations, including UEFA, rejected the proposal, and Infantino eventually abandoned it, though the European body said it had lost confidence in the Swiss president.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino and Arsene Wenger talk following the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 Final. (Getty Images)

Still, nothing is settled. Wenger has not yet formally entered the race, and he is not yet seen as UEFA’s preferred candidate, as other names are still being evaluated. His age could also raise questions about whether he can lead FIFA for a full four-year term.

Key dates in the FIFA presidential race

Infantino has already confirmed that he will seek re-election, according to a FIFA spokesperson who spoke to AFP in September. The Swiss-Italian became president in 2016, succeeding Sepp Blatter, and was re-elected without opposition in 2019 and 2023, so a rival such as Wenger would turn this vote into the first real contest of his tenure in a decade.

Candidates have until Nov. 18 to submit nominations, which must be backed by at least five member associations. The vote is scheduled for March 18, 2027, at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco. Japan’s Kozo Tashima, who announced his candidacy on Nov. 5, is the only declared challenger for now, though UEFA is expected to meet this week to decide whom it will back.

That decision will be key because Infantino has been rallying support from Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America and the Caribbean Football Union, leaving any opponent with little room to maneuver. In that sense, what UEFA and Wenger decide in the coming days will determine whether the election produces a credible alternative or a campaign that barely changes the picture.

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