Wenger weighing Fifa presidency bid as Uefa seeks credible rival to Infantino

Arsene Wenger is weighing up a bid for the Fifa presidency, with Uefa evaluating the former Arsenal manager as one of several potential candidates to challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino, the Press Association understands.

Wenger, 77, is not currently viewed as Uefa’s preferred candidate, and he himself has yet to decide whether to formally enter the race. Nevertheless, his standing within the global game and his experience inside Fifa’s administration — he has served as the organisation’s chief of global football development since 2019 — would make him a formidable opponent for Infantino should he choose to stand.

Uefa is expected to convene its executive committee and gather member national associations this week for further discussions on which candidate should receive Europe’s backing. The European governing body declared it had “lost confidence” in Infantino after plans to sell a minority stake in a World Cup commercial vehicle, Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), to private investors were disclosed over the summer. Three continental confederations, including Uefa, rejected the scheme, and Infantino subsequently abandoned it.

Wenger addressed the FFE proposal on 4 August, stating he was “not involved” in it and had first learned of the scheme through news reports. He added: “The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent Fifa that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity.”

Wenger is not the only name in contention. Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japanese Football Association, announced on Thursday that he would also run for the presidency.

Infantino, who has held the role since 2016, has since steadied his position, gathering support across Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America. On Friday he secured the backing of member nations of the Caribbean Football Union.

The election will be decided at the Fifa Congress in Rabat, Morocco on 18 March 2026.