Brief

Arsène Wenger floated as surprise challenger to Gianni Infantino for FIFA presidency

European football insiders suggest Wenger could offer a credible alternative, though he has not confirmed any intention to run.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 03:24:24 GMT

Gulf News says former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has been mentioned as a possible surprise candidate to challenge incumbent FIFA president Gianni Infantino for the organisation’s top job.

What happened

The report, dated 15 October 2026, notes that senior figures in European football are urging Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s chief of global football development since 2019, to consider entering the race. Infantino is expected to seek a fourth and final term at the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 2027, despite criticism over his FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup.

What the reports add

Gulf News adds that the FIFA Council is meeting in Zurich this week, the first session since the FFE proposal sparked backlash and calls for Infantino’s resignation from leaders across Europe, North America and Asia. The agenda includes a proposed $3.4 billion increase in development funding, governance reforms, relations with the English FA and a review of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize awarded to former US President Donald Trump.

What was said

The outlet quotes an associate of Wenger describing him as a potential “perfect candidate”, while stressing that any decision would be up to the Frenchman. It also reports that Wenger attended a dinner with Infantino and other council members in Zurich ahead of the meeting, but has given no indication of a bid.

How it came about

Earlier this month, former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega publicly announced his own candidacy, but his chances were described as limited. Potential rivals such as CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin have ruled themselves out, leaving Infantino with little organized opposition. The article links these developments to Felo’s recent coverage of Infantino’s re‑election bid and related governance disputes.

Key facts

Arsène Wenger is being floated as a surprise challenger to Gianni Infantino for FIFA president (gulfnews.com)
Infantino is expected to run for a fourth term despite criticism of his FIFA Forward Enterprise plan (gulfnews.com)
The FIFA Council is meeting in Zurich to discuss a $3.4 billion development‑fund increase and other governance issues (gulfnews.com)
Wenger attended a dinner with Infantino and council members in Zurich but has not confirmed any intention to run (gulfnews.com)