Wenger to succeed Infantino at FIFA: an appealing but complicated idea

As pressure builds around Gianni Infantino less than two years before the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027, the name Arsène Wenger is circulating in France as a credible alternative to the Italo-Swiss leader.

First elected in February 2016, Infantino seemed assured of a second term without serious opposition. But several recent controversies — including awarding the FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump and criticism over the organization of the 2026 World Cup — have weakened his position. His relationship with UEFA continues to deteriorate, to the point that several senior officials from the European body are reportedly working to identify an alternative candidate, backed by African and South American federations.

It is in this context that the idea of a Wenger candidacy has emerged on social media. “The only one who can beat the corrupt Infantino in the next FIFA elections,” wrote the X account of Jérémy Berrié. Journalist Patrick Chêne quickly followed suit: “Shall we launch the campaign?”

But the scenario faces a major obstacle. According to journalist Grégory Schneider, Wenger and Infantino “are thick as thieves.” The former emblematic Arsenal manager, now 76 years old, has held the position of FIFA’s chief of global football development since 2019. He also sits on the IFAB, the body that governs the laws of the game. It is difficult, under these circumstances, to imagine the Alsatian turning against the man who welcomed him into the institution.

The enthusiasm around his name nevertheless illustrates the perceived void in the landscape of potential candidates capable of uniting the 211 member federations around an alternative project. No official candidacy has been announced so far.