Arsène Wenger is seriously considering running for FIFA president in the 2027 election to challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino, according to a report by BBC.
Infantino Retains Backing from Football Organizations
- Betting & Elections: Infantino retains backing from African, South American, and Asian football organizations, positioning him as the clear front-runner ahead of the nomination deadline.
The Push from European Football
Senior figures within European football have urged the 77-year-old Wenger to enter the race over the past few weeks. Some supporters even indicated an openness to an arrangement where he would not complete a full four-year term if elected, BBC reported.
Yet, sources close to Wenger emphasized that he has not yet made a final decision. The former Arsenal manager has not publicly announced a candidacy and has not secured a formal nomination.
Wenger managed Arsenal for 22 years before stepping down in 2018. He joined FIFA in 2019 as the global football development director, overseeing youth training programs and global development initiatives.
Infantino Apologizes for FIFA Forward Enterprise Disputes
Infantino faced sustained criticism over FIFA governance issues in recent months, most notably regarding the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. The initiative sought to bring in private investors by selling equity stakes in FIFA’s tournament operating entities before regional opposition in Europe forced a withdrawal.
During the FIFA Council meeting on October 15, Infantino issued an apology over the disputes caused by the plan. Questions surrounding the decision-making process and transparency remain unresolved.
Wenger previously distanced himself from the proposal. He said that he had no involvement in the strategic plans, learned of them through media reports, and deemed the withdrawal entirely necessary.
Arsene Wenger is considering standing against Gianni Infantino as a candidate in Fifa's presidential election. pic.twitter.com/Na89zQ1vmq
European football figures see Wenger as someone familiar with FIFA’s internal mechanics and possessing high international visibility from his managerial career. His spells managing in Japan and long-term involvement in African talent development give him influence outside Europe, though UEFA has not formally backed his potential run.
| Candidate | Age | Key Background | Current Stance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsène Wenger | 77 | Former Arsenal manager, FIFA global football development chief | Considering a potential run following European encouragement |
| Kozo Tashima | 68 | Former Japan Football Association president, FIFA Council member | Officially nominated and supported by the Japan FA |
Rivals Emerge Ahead of the November Deadline
Other challengers have already entered the 2027 FIFA presidential race. On November 5, the Japan Football Association held a board meeting and decided to support former president and current honorary president Kozo Tashima, publishing an official announcement the following day.
The 68-year-old Tashima served as a FIFA Council member and led the Japan FA from 2016 to 2024. He stated a desire to bring Japanese football’s core principles of integrity, sound governance, and fairness into global football administration.
Former Tottenham Hotspur player and Swiss international Ramón Vega also announced his intention to run back in October.
Arsene Wenger, FIFA başkanlık seçimlerinde aday olmayı düşünüyor. 🔗 BBC Sport pic.twitter.com/h3LARXb4Vs
Candidates require support from at least five member associations and must submit nomination materials by the November 18 deadline. The 2027 FIFA presidential election takes place on March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.
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