💣Bombshell at FIFA: Wenger could be Infantino’s challenger

Arsène Wenger, the former Arsenal manager currently serving as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, could potentially challenge Gianni Infantino in the next FIFA presidential elections scheduled for March 18, 2027. According to Le Parisien, several international football officials are backing the French coach’s candidacy.

During a meeting of the FIFA Council in Zurich on Thursday, President Gianni Infantino expressed regret to the organization’s board regarding a proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Infantino stated he apologized for mistakes made during the communication and consultation process regarding the project, noting the plan was intended to help FIFA invest more in member associations rather than replacing existing resources.

The proposal drew backlash from various football associations and figures including EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef and U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, leading to calls for Infantino's resignation. FIFA Council Vice President and Football Association Chair Debbie Hewitt expressed disappointment that documents regarding the plan had not been shared with the board prior to the meeting.

Brief written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports, Politico EU — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.