Arsene Wenger Likely to Avoid FIFA Presidential Race Against Infantino

Arsene Wenger, the former Arsenal manager, is reportedly not planning to run against Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency in the upcoming elections. Despite being seen as a potential candidate, Wenger has communicated his decision to UEFA, focusing instead on his role within FIFA. Infantino, facing significant challenges and criticism over his leadership, is preparing for a tough election. This article explores the implications of Wenger's decision and the current state of FIFA as it approaches the elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 15, 2026, 10:50 IST

Wenger's Decision on FIFA Presidency

London [UK], November 15: Sources indicate that Arsene Wenger, the former manager of Arsenal, is unlikely to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency in the upcoming elections. Wenger has served as FIFA's chief of global football development for the past seven years and is highly regarded in the football community.

At 77 years old, Wenger was previously viewed as a strong candidate for the presidency. Influential figures in football, including those from UEFA, had encouraged him to run before the November 18 deadline. However, reports suggest that Wenger has informed UEFA of his decision not to enter the race. This news was initially reported by a French outlet.

Wenger, who is renowned for his 22-year tenure at Arsenal, which ended in 2018, has not returned to coaching since then. His current contract with FIFA is set to expire at the end of this year, but there are indications that FIFA is interested in extending his role.

As the FIFA presidential elections approach, Infantino faces significant challenges in retaining his position. He has come under fire for proposing to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors, which sparked backlash from various stakeholders, including UEFA, who threatened to boycott FIFA events like the World Cup. Following this criticism, Infantino abandoned the proposal.

In August, Wenger clarified that he was not involved in the controversial FIFA Forward Programme (FFE) and was unaware of it until it was reported in the media. He emphasized the necessity of withdrawing the project, advocating for an independent FIFA committed to transparency and integrity.

Wenger was notably absent from a FIFA Management Committee meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on August 5, which saw Infantino's leadership receive support. In October, Wenger was seen alongside Infantino at the inaugural Under-15s World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan. Earlier this month, FIFA's secretary general communicated with council members about granting access to crucial information regarding the failed FFE plan, following UEFA's request for transparency.

Ramon Vega, a former Tottenham defender, was the first to announce his candidacy against Infantino in October, followed by Kozo Tashima, president of the Japan Football Association. To qualify for the election, candidates must secure support from five of the 211 national associations. Infantino has held the FIFA presidency since 2016, succeeding Sepp Blatter, who resigned amid scandals. He was re-elected unopposed in both 2019 and 2023 and expressed his intention to seek a fourth term earlier this year. Recently, Miguel Maduro, the former head of FIFA's governance committee, claimed that Infantino may not be eligible for another term and encouraged critics to challenge his candidacy at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.