Arsene Wenger eyes FIFA presidency challenge against Infantino in 2027
Synopsis
For the first time since 2016, the FIFA presidential election could actually be contested. Arsene Wenger — an insider at FIFA's own development arm and one of football's most respected figures — is reportedly being urged to challenge Gianni Infantino, whose two unopposed re-elections and contentious private-investment proposals have left parts of European football restless.
Key Takeaways
Arsene Wenger , 77, is reportedly considering challenging Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency at the 18 March 2027 Congress in Rabat, Morocco .
Wenger has not yet taken a final decision; influential figures in European football are encouraging him to run.
His age has been flagged as a potential concern for a full four-year term running to 2031.
Infantino has been re-elected unopposed in both 2019 and 2023 ; a Wenger entry would be the first real contest since 2016 .
Wenger joined FIFA in 2019 as Chief of Global Football Development and chairs the Technical Study Group .
Infantino's tenure has faced criticism over a proposal to sell minority stakes in FIFA competitions, which drew opposition from UEFA .
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is seriously considering entering the race for the FIFA presidency, with reports indicating he could challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino at the election scheduled for 18 March 2027. The 77-year-old Frenchman currently serves as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development — making him an insider candidate with unusual credibility.
What Is Being Reported
According to reports, Wenger has been encouraged by several influential figures in European football to contest the election. While he has not taken a final decision, momentum behind a potential candidacy has built noticeably in recent weeks. A number of his backers reportedly believe he represents a credible alternative to Infantino and are prepared to formally support his bid.
His age, however, has emerged as a point of concern among some observers, particularly in relation to his capacity to lead the world's most powerful football body through a full four-year presidential term stretching to 2031.
The Infantino Backdrop
Infantino, who took charge of FIFA in 2016 following the exit of Sepp Blatter, is widely expected to seek re-election at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco. He was returned unopposed in both 2019 and 2023, facing no formal challenger on either occasion.
His tenure has not been without controversy. A proposal to bring private investors into FIFA competitions through the sale of minority stakes drew significant opposition from football stakeholders. UEFA at one point raised the possibility of boycotting FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, before eventually stepping back after receiving assurances that such ownership arrangements would not be pursued.
Wenger's Football Administration Record
Wenger's post-club career has kept him firmly within the football governance ecosystem. He joined FIFA in 2019 as Chief of Global Football Development and has worked on initiatives to raise football standards across different regions. He also chairs FIFA's Technical Study Group and contributes to discussions on the development of the game and potential changes to its laws.
His managerial legacy at Arsenal remains formidable: a 22-year spell at the north London club that produced three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup triumphs, ending in 2018. That track record of sustained, principled success is reportedly central to the case his supporters are building for him.
What Happens Next
No formal nomination has been submitted, and Wenger himself has not issued a public statement confirming his intentions. The March 2027 FIFA Congress is still several months away, giving potential candidates time to build coalitions. If Wenger does enter the race, it would mark the first genuinely contested FIFA presidential election since 2016 — a significant shift for an institution that has grown accustomed to uncontested renewals of Infantino's mandate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arsene Wenger running for FIFA president?
Wenger is reportedly seriously considering a bid for the FIFA presidency but has not yet made a final decision, according to reports. Influential figures in European football have been encouraging him to challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino at the March 2027 election.
When is the next FIFA presidential election?
The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March 2027. Gianni Infantino is widely expected to seek another term.
Why is there opposition to Gianni Infantino within football?
Infantino's tenure has drawn criticism partly over a proposal to allow private investors to acquire minority stakes in FIFA competitions, which faced significant pushback from football stakeholders. UEFA raised the possibility of boycotting FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, before eventually withdrawing the threat after receiving assurances.
What is Arsene Wenger's current role at FIFA?
Wenger joined FIFA in 2019 as Chief of Global Football Development and also chairs FIFA's Technical Study Group. He works on initiatives to improve football standards globally and contributes to discussions on possible changes to the laws of the game.
What was Arsene Wenger's managerial record at Arsenal?
Wenger managed Arsenal for 22 years, ending his tenure in 2018. During that period he guided the north London club to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup triumphs, cementing his status as one of the sport's most successful managers.
