Wenger candidate against Infantino for FIFA presidency in March 2027

Arsène Wenger is reportedly set to run against Gianni Infantino in the election for FIFA president, scheduled for March 18, 2027 in Rabat. According to the Times, the former Arsenal manager is at the centre of discussions and is being actively supported behind the scenes by UEFA and critics of the incumbent president.

Infantino’s weakening dates back to the summer, when his “FIFA Forward Enterprise” project turned into a fiasco. This controversial plan aimed to cede approximately 20% of the capital of the organisation’s commercial activities — broadcasting rights and sponsorship — to private investors close to Donald Trump, in order to raise 4.2 billion dollars. Faced with opposition from UEFA’s Aleksander Ceferin, Concacaf, the AFC and the European Commission, the Italian-Swiss executive was forced to abandon it in August. The rebellion has not stopped, however, with his opponents seeking a candidate capable of uniting a credible alternative.

Wenger’s potential candidacy carries a particularly symbolic dimension: it was Infantino himself who recruited him in November 2019 as director of global football development. Long perceived as close to the president, the 76-year-old Alsatian technician publicly ended their relationship when FIFA Forward Enterprise was abandoned, saying he had discovered the plan in the press and judging its withdrawal “absolutely necessary” to preserve “an independent, transparent and honest FIFA”.

Infantino, re-elected unopposed in 2023 and supported notably by the 54 African federations, currently maintains an advantage thanks to his networks. But Wenger’s entry into the race, whose respect and international standing are universally recognised, would completely reshuffle the cards. Whether it is a genuine candidacy or a pressure strategy, time is tight: Wenger, like other contenders including Ramon Vega, has until November 18 to officially file his candidacy.