Arsene Wenger Weighs Challenge to Infantino in 2027 FIFA Elections
Arsene Wenger is considering running in the 2027 FIFA elections, threatening Gianni Infantino's fourth term
Wenger, who has worked in recent years in FIFA's own football development group, is expected to be one of the rivals facing Swiss incumbent Gianni Infantino, under fire since his attempt to sell private stakes in the World Cup.
The deadline for submitting candidacies is 18 November, ahead of elections to be held on 18 March 2027 during the FIFA congress in Rabat.
Infantino the favourite, but weakened
Infantino is the clear favourite for a fourth term, but his failed World Cup initiative has damaged his relationships, with several federations calling for his resignation and losing confidence in him.
So far, Swiss Ramón Vega, a former Tottenham Hotspur defender, and Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japanese federation, have put themselves forward as rivals to Infantino in the elections..
Wenger's stance
Although Wenger has always been loyal to Infantino, the French former coach distanced himself from him over the World Cup scandal, saying he had had nothing to do with it.
"The decision to withdraw from this project was absolutely necessary and there were no doubts about it because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our sport with commitment, transparency and integrity," Wenger said at the time.
During his time as FIFA's chief of football development, Wenger has proposed a new offside system, more permissive with attackers and already used in Canada's league, and has also hinted at his preference for a World Cup every two years instead of every four. EFE
