Arsène Wenger has decided against running for FIFA president, leaving UEFA just days to find a candidate to back against Gianni Infantino. European football’s governing body had hoped to persuade the former Arsenal manager to enter the race.
According to The Sunday Times and PA Media, Wenger seriously considered standing before informing UEFA of his decision. He had support within the organisation thanks to his profile beyond Europe and the relationships he has built since becoming FIFA’s head of global football development in 2019.
Tensions between UEFA and Infantino had escalated over a plan to set up a company to manage the commercial rights to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, and open it up to private investment. FIFA dropped the proposal after opposition from continental confederations.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has already ruled himself out. Sándor Csányi, president of the Hungarian Football Federation and a FIFA vice-president, is among the names being discussed as UEFA looks for a candidate who can win votes beyond Europe.
FIFA Council member Kozo Tashima of Japan and former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega of Switzerland have both expressed an interest in standing. Candidates need the backing of at least five of FIFA’s 211 member associations to get on the ballot.
Wenger’s decision boosts Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2023. He enters the race with the backing of the Confederation of African Football and has regained the support of the Asian Football Confederation, which had opposed the commercial rights proposal.
Nominations close on Wednesday, 18 November, with the vote scheduled for 18 March 2027 at the FIFA Congress in Rabat. Infantino is seeking a term that would keep him in office until 2031.
