Wenger reportedly declined FIFA presidency candidacy against Infantino

Arsène Wenger would not be a candidate for the FIFA presidency. According to journalist Pierre Ménès, the former Arsenal manager told him in person a week ago that he is not interested in the position.

The election is scheduled for next March in Rabat, Morocco. Gianni Infantino, the incumbent president contested by some member federations, currently has no serious declared opponents. Wenger’s name, current director of global football development within the organization, had circulated as that of a credible potential challenger.

Ménès clarified the circumstances of this exchange: “The last contact I had with Arsène was eight days ago in the stands of Jean-Bouin, during PFC-Monaco. We talked about the FIFA presidency and he clearly told me it didn’t interest him.” However, the journalist tempered the significance of this confidence: “He’s not obliged to tell me the truth. He has the right to change his mind. But changing his mind about a position as important as the FIFA presidency in eight days seems very difficult to me.”

Ménès also offered a substantive explanation for Wenger’s apparent lack of interest: “Being FIFA president is 95% politics, 5% football. I rather have the idea that Arsène would prefer to do 5% politics and 95% football.” A profile of a passionate technician that would fit poorly, according to him, with the diplomatic and institutional requirements of the position.

The information currently rests on this single indirect testimony. Neither Wenger nor FIFA have publicly confirmed or denied any such move. If the Alsatian’s candidacy does not materialize, Infantino should move toward a new mandate without major opposition.