{
  "id": 14869548,
  "title": "Could Wenger really take on Infantino and run for Fifa presidency?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/could-wenger-really-take-on-infantino-and-run-for-fifa-presidency",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T04:33:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/could-wenger-really-take-on-infantino-and-run-for-fifa-presidency/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fifa president Gianni Infantino is widely expected to be re-elected for a fourth and final term next year, despite the backlash following his failed plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. However, sources within European football are reportedly interested in former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger running as a surprise candidate. Wenger, who has been the head of global development at Fifa since 2019, has supporters who believe he commands the level of respect required to challenge Infantino. Wenger's global profile, particularly in Africa, aligns well with Infantino's re-election boost. Wenger has also expressed support for an expanded World Cup to drive development in less traditional football nations. However, whether Wenger would actually challenge Infantino or simply maintain his role as a respected figure within the organization remains unclear.",
  "summary": "Despite the backlash caused by his failed plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors, Fifa president Gianni Infantino looks increasingly likely to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final term next year. But could there be a sensational twist? Senior figures within European football have told BBC Sport they […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger considered as Fifa presidency candidate.",
    "Wenger has global profile, especially in Africa, aligning with Infantino's re-election boost.",
    "Wenger's role at Fifa since 2019 raises uncertainty about potential challenge to Infantino."
  ],
  "editors_take": "A potential challenge from Arsène Wenger signals a rare opportunity for European football interests to disrupt Gianni Infantino’s expected re-election through a candidate with significant global development credentials.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}