ZURICH (The Thursday Times) — Arsene Wenger has decided not to stand against Gianni Infantino in the Fifa presidential election, according to reports on Sunday, removing the most prominent figure Uefa had hoped would challenge him.
The former Arsenal manager, 77, is Fifa’s chief of global football development and had been considering a run. He had been encouraged to stand by Uefa and is understood to have told the body he will not go head to head with Infantino. Fifa has been approached for comment.
Why it matters
Infantino, 56, is seeking a fourth term at the Fifa Congress next March. His position was shaken by the backlash over his failed plan to create a company, Fifa Forward Enterprise, to manage the commercial interests of Fifa’s competitions, with private investors holding a minority stake. He abandoned the plan days after it became public, after it was rejected by Uefa, the Asian confederation, and Concacaf (earlier: Fifa’s secret World Cup sell-off plan).
Wenger, who has traditionally been seen as loyal to Infantino, distanced himself from the plan when it emerged. “I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” he said at the time, adding that withdrawing it was “absolutely necessary”.
Since then Infantino has consolidated his support. The African confederation has pledged “unanimous” backing, the Asian confederation has reversed course and will now support his bid, and he has said he has the support of the “vast, vast majority” of world football. One influential figure in the group opposed to him called Wenger’s decision “a real shame”.
Deadline on Wednesday
Candidates must declare by Wednesday, November 18. Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega was the first to put his name forward, in October. Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has also announced his intention to stand, but reports say he has not yet secured the five endorsements from member associations that he needs. Uefa is said to be still hopeful of finding another candidate before the deadline.
