Senior figures within European football have told BBC Sport that they want former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to run as a surprise candidate against Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency. Despite facing backlash over a failed plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup, Infantino currently looks likely to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final term next year.
The upcoming FIFA Council meeting in Zurich arrives at a time of crisis following the emergence of Infantino's Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme. The controversy has prompted leaders from Europe, North America, and Asia to call for Infantino to step down from his role.
During the meeting, FIFA is expected to propose a 3.4 billion dollar increase in funding distributed for football development. However, Infantino will simultaneously face intense scrutiny regarding governance reforms, disciplinary procedures, and the awarding of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.
Potential rivals such as Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin have already indicated they are not contenders for the presidency. Meanwhile, Infantino has been actively touring the world to shore up vital support ahead of the vote.
Expectations are growing that Infantino will be returned to power due to the strong backing he retains across Africa, South America, and Oceania. Currently, former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega remains the only individual to officially declare an intention to run against him.
There is currently no indication in Zurich that Wenger is actively plotting a bid to challenge his employer. As the governing body's head of global development since 2019, he joined Infantino and other council members for dinner at a local restaurant ahead of the meeting.
When approached by BBC Sport via FIFA regarding his intentions for the upcoming election, no official comment was provided. Individuals close to the 76-year-old manager, who left Arsenal in 2018, declined to be drawn on whether he holds any interest in the position.
One source close to Wenger told BBC Sport that he would represent an ideal candidate while emphasizing that he remains his own independent figure. Supporters believe he commands the necessary global respect outside of Europe to mount a viable challenge against the incumbent president.
Alex Phillips, a former UEFA and FIFA executive, told the BBC that Wenger is not a traditional football politician and would bring true football values to leadership. Phillips added that the organisation has become overly focused on financial matters rather than prioritizing the sport itself.
A current senior official at a European national association noted that Wenger genuinely understands football development through his current administrative role. The official highlighted that Wenger is viewed globally, noting his strong reputation in Asia stemming from his past work in Japan.
Another official suggested that Wenger possesses the stature required for the role, though questioned whether he represents the future of the administration. Observers remain uncertain whether he would be willing to split from Infantino, who originally appointed him to his current post.
Wenger previously distanced himself from the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme after admitting he was not involved in the strategic planning. In a previous statement, he stressed the absolute necessity of an independent FIFA that serves the game with transparency and integrity.
Despite his thinly veiled criticisms of the project, Wenger chose to continue in his role overseeing youth development at academies across sixty countries. He also serves as a technical adviser to the International Football Association Board, contributing to rule-making discussions.
Wenger previously caused controversy with proposals such as biennial World Cups and a daylight offside law. Nevertheless, he maintains a strong global profile, particularly in Africa where his support for an expanded 48-team World Cup has been well received.
During a recent Confederation of African Football conference in Cape Verde, Wenger told delegates that an African team winning the World Cup is entirely feasible. Such sentiments could bolster his standing should he ultimately decide to launch a presidential campaign.
A large number of FIFA staff members reportedly want Wenger to run and believe he could help transform the organization's public image. Conversely, other well-connected figures in FIFA circles have expressed skepticism regarding his political maneuvering and administrative capabilities.
One well-connected insider expressed amazement at the prospect of Wenger rising up against the man who appointed him. The source questioned whether Wenger possesses the political acumen required to corral and command power across various international voting blocks.
If Wenger decides to pursue the presidency, he must formally declare his candidacy by 18 November. Furthermore, any challenger must secure official nominations from at least five national football associations to enter the electoral race.
During his illustrious managerial career, Wenger revolutionized English football with his pioneering approaches to tactics, nutrition, and sports science. Having spent 22 years as the most successful manager in Arsenal history, he remains a legendary figure in the sport.
As the football world awaits the outcome of the FIFA Council meeting, the possibility of a late challenge from Wenger adds an intriguing dynamic to the upcoming election cycle. Whether the veteran administrator ultimately enters the fray remains to be seen.
Join the conversation