As the elections for the FIFA presidency scheduled for March 18, 2027 in Rabat (Morocco) approach, the world body is still shaken by the upheavals following the serious crisis experienced during the summer. Re-elected without opposition in 2023, outgoing president Gianni Infantino previously believed himself to be untouchable, supported in particular by the 54 African federations.
However, its position was greatly weakened after the fiasco of the “FIFA Forward Enterprise” project. This controversial plan aimed to sell around 20% of the capital of the body’s commercial activities (TV rights, sponsorship) to private investors close to Donald Trump to raise $4.2 billion. Faced with the lack of transparency and the outcry from Aleksander Ceferin’s UEFA, Concacaf, the AFC and even the European Commission, the Italian-Swiss leader had to give up in August.
This retreat has not extinguished the revolt, the opponents are now looking for a strong candidate capable of bringing together a credible alternative. It is in this context that the name of Arsène Wenger made a sensational appearance. According to information revealed by the
Timesthe emblematic former Arsenal manager (1996-2018) is at the heart of the discussions and is said to be in full “preparation”, pushed behind the scenes by UEFA and Infantino’s detractors. At 76 years old, the Alsatian technician enjoys unrivaled international respect, credibility and aura.
Response before November 18
The hypothesis of Wenger’s candidacy is all the more striking as he has held the position of director of world football development within FIFA since November 2019, recruited by Infantino himself. Long criticized by the British media for his proximity to the president of FIFA, the Frenchman publicly announced his breakup at the beginning of August. Firmly distancing himself from the abandonment of FIFA Forward Enterprise, he claimed to have discovered the plan in the press, adding that his withdrawal was “absolutely necessary”
to preserve “an independent, transparent and honest FIFA”.
If Gianni Infantino remains a step ahead thanks to his networks for the moment, Wenger’s entry into the running would completely reshuffle the cards. Whether he agrees to take on the role of opponent or whether it is a pressure strategy, time is running out: Arsène Wenger, like other contenders such as Ramon Vega, has until November 18 to officially submit his candidacy.
