SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly considering a bid to become FIFA president, potentially setting up a major leadership contest against incumbent Gianni Infantino ahead of the next presidential election.
The 77-year-old Frenchman is said to be under pressure from influential football stakeholders, including UEFA, to enter the race, with a final decision expected before the November 18 nomination deadline.
Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since November 2019, remains one of the most respected figures in international football. His extensive experience in coaching, football administration, and talent development could make him an attractive alternative for stakeholders seeking a different direction for world football.
His possible presidential bid also comes at a significant moment, as his current contract with FIFA is expected to expire at the end of 2026. Although the organization reportedly wants him to continue in his present role, challenging Infantino could complicate that relationship.
The development follows growing criticism of Infantino’s leadership over the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, which would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in FIFA’s commercial operations, including its World Cup business.
The proposal was eventually withdrawn, triggering questions about FIFA’s governance and the organization’s relationship with private investors.
Wenger publicly distanced himself from the controversial plan in a statement on August 4, insisting that he had played no part in its development and only became aware of it through media reports. He also supported its withdrawal, arguing that FIFA’s independence, transparency, and integrity must be protected.
He was notably absent from a FIFA Management Committee meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on August 5, where senior officials expressed support for Infantino.
However, the relationship between both men has not appeared entirely strained, as they were seen together in Baku, Azerbaijan, in late October during the inaugural Under-15 World Cup and Festival.
Despite Wenger’s reputation and potential support within European football, unseating Infantino would be a considerable challenge. The incumbent president reportedly retains strong backing from football associations across Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East, as well as the Asian Football Confederation.
UEFA is also understood to be considering alternative candidates and may decide on its preferred contender before the nomination deadline.
Wenger would not be the only challenger seeking to prevent Infantino from securing another term. Japan Football Association president Kozo Tashima has already announced his intention to contest the election, while former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega declared interest in October.
Under FIFA regulations, presidential candidates must secure nominations from at least five member associations to qualify for the race. With 211 national associations eligible to vote, a challenger would need at least 106 votes to defeat Infantino at the FIFA Congress scheduled for March.
Ultimately, the contest could become more than a battle between two prominent football personalities. It may also test the level of confidence among FIFA’s member associations in Infantino’s leadership and determine the direction of the organization’s governance in the coming years.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
