Reports say Infantino opponents hope to recruit Wenger for FIFA election

Opponents of FIFA president Gianni Infantino hope to persuade Arsene Wenger to run for the organisation’s leadership, RBC reported on October 10, citing The Times. Wenger has not announced a candidacy.

According to the British newspaper, Infantino’s opponents see the former Arsenal manager as a potential challenger. The report describes efforts to find a candidate and obtain his agreement, rather than confirmation that Wenger has accepted an approach.

Wenger managed Arsenal from 1996 to 2018. The club won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups under his leadership.

Since 2019, he has worked at FIFA as chief of global football development, adding an administrative role to his long coaching career.

RBC’s report places the election in March 2027 and gives November 18 as the deadline for prospective challengers. Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, intends to seek another term. Former Tottenham and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has previously expressed an interest in running.