Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is seriously considering a bid for the FIFA presidency that could see him challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino in the March 2027 election.
The 77-year-old Frenchman has come under pressure from influential European football officials to enter the race as UEFA searches for a credible candidate to challenge Infantino’s leadership.
Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, has not officially declared his candidacy. However, a report by BBC Sport on Tuesday, November 10, indicated that he was giving the prospect serious consideration after weeks of discussions among senior figures in European football.
People close to Wenger told the broadcaster that he had yet to make a final decision. They also believe Infantino would remain the favourite to win another term even if the former Arsenal manager entered the contest.
The possibility of Wenger’s candidacy has attracted attention because of his international reputation, experience in football management and familiarity with FIFA’s administration.
The potential challenge follows growing opposition to Infantino after his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) commercial venture collapsed amid criticism from football officials.
The proposal involved creating a commercial company that would manage FIFA’s commercial interests, including major tournament business, while allowing private investors to acquire a minority stake.
UEFA has spearheaded calls for greater accountability over the abandoned venture and has explored possible candidates who could unite opposition to the incumbent.
One proposal reportedly discussed among Wenger’s supporters is for him to serve as a transitional president rather than complete the full four-year term.
At 77, his age has raised questions about whether he would want to oversee FIFA for another complete presidential cycle.
Some senior figures in European football have reportedly indicated that they would support him winning the election and subsequently stepping down before completing the four-year term.
A senior European official told BBC Sport: “He has the stature, but I’m not sure he smacks of the future.”
The official added that Wenger could potentially serve one term to introduce reforms, although there remained uncertainty over whether he would break away from Infantino.
The transitional proposal would allow opposition groups to rally behind a respected football figure while potentially creating room for a longer-term successor.
However, Wenger has not publicly accepted the proposal or confirmed that he intends to pursue a shortened presidency.
Despite the growing criticism, Infantino remains a strong contender because of his support across several football confederations.
The FIFA president has maintained close relationships with national associations in Africa, Asia and South America, giving him a significant advantage in an election decided by FIFA’s 211 member associations.
He recently insisted that he enjoyed the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.
Infantino also received the support of all 54 African member associations, a significant boost for his re-election prospects.
Wenger could nevertheless appeal to some of those associations because of his reputation for supporting African football development.
During his 22-year spell at Arsenal, he recruited and developed several African players, including Nwankwo Kanu, Kolo Touré, Emmanuel Eboué and Alex Song.
He has also advocated expanding international competitions to create more opportunities for countries outside football’s traditional powerhouses.
Speaking at a Confederation of African Football conference in Cape Verde, Wenger said: “We want to see an African team win the World Cup, and the numbers show that it is feasible.”
Wenger is not the only individual seeking to challenge Infantino.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender and Switzerland international Ramon Vega announced his intention to contest the presidency in October 2026.
Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima also announced his intention to run in the March election.
Vega has previously attempted to enter the presidential race and has criticised the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative.
For a candidate to qualify for the ballot, FIFA requires nominations from at least five of its member associations.
FIFA will hold its presidential election on March 18, 2027, during its Congress in Rabat, Morocco.
Candidates have until November 18, 2026, to declare their intention to stand and secure the required nominations.
Infantino, who first became FIFA president in 2016, is seeking another term and remains the leading contender.
