Arsene Wenger is considering whether to run for FIFA president, as UEFA attempt to push him to do so.
Over the weekend, we covered reports that UEFA are trying to convince former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to run for FIFA president, and subsequent reports in the media have suggested Wenger is considering it.
Jamie Gardner reports for the Mirror that Wenger is thinking about whether to put himself forward as a candidate, as one of a number of candidates UEFA could potentially back.
Wenger isn’t currently viewed as UEFA’s final preferred candidate, as others are still being evaluated, and he hasn’t made a firm decision.
TalkSPORT had reported that senior UEFA figures were still trying to convince Wenger to join the race, as they hope to announce a candidate by this week at the latest.
Since his departure from Arsenal, Wenger has been working for FIFA as their Chief of Global Football Development.
UEFA have turned on current FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a big way, following his failed attempt to sell off stakes in the World Cup. They’ve even been working on criminal legal action against Infantino.
Multiple FAs have confirmed they won’t be backing Infantino’s bid for re-election for 2027-2031, including the Welsh and English FAs.
It’s hard to imagine that Wenger would struggle to beat Infantino in an election in Europe, but FIFA is obviously comprised of more than one continental football organisation. Infantino has historically been more popular in parts of Africa and the Middle East.
More importantly, Wenger first has to agree to join the race. He may not want to, and UEFA are seemingly running out of time to convince him.
- Arsene Wenger considering whether to enter FIFA president raceArsene Wenger is considering whether to run for FIFA president, as UEFA attempt to push him to do so.
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