Arsene Wenger Weighs Challenge to Infantino in 2027 FIFA Elections

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering running as a candidate against Swiss incumbent Gianni Infantino for the presidency of FIFA during elections scheduled for March 18, 2027. The deadline for submitting candidacies has been set for November 18. While Wenger remains loyal to Infantino in general, he distanced himself from the current president following an attempt by Infantino to sell private stakes in the World Cup, which damaged his relationships with several football federations and led some to call for his resignation. Wenger is expected to be one of the rivals facing Infantino alongside former Tottenham defender Ramón Vega and Japanese federation honorary president Kozo Tashima. During his tenure as FIFA's chief of football development, Wenger proposed a new offside system used in Canada's league and hinted at preferring a World Cup every two years instead of four. Although sources close to Wenger indicate he has not yet decided whether to stand, supporters suggest they would be happy for him to win the election before serving a full term given his age.