India, Oct. 13 — Arsene Wenger is reportedly being urged to challenge Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency ahead of the 2027 election. The Frenchman, who currently serves as Fifa’s Chief of Global Football Development, has emerged as a potential alternative as opposition to Infantino grows over his leadership of football’s governing body. Wenger has not confirmed any intention to run for Fifa president, and it’s yet to be seen whether he will enter the race.
Arsene Wenger Fifa president bid: What we know
According to reports, people seeking an alternative to Infantino are encouraging Wenger to consider standing in the next Fifa presidential election.
The former Arsenal manager is widely recognised for his managerial career and his subsequent work on football development at Fifa.
Wenger joined Fifa in 2019 after leaving Arsenal in 2018, bringing decades of experience in coaching, player development and football administration.
Why is Gianni Infantino facing opposition?
Infantino has been seeking another term as Fifa President, but his leadership has attracted criticism over governance and commercial decisions. The Norwegian Football Association filed complaints with Fifa committees on October 6, 2026, seeking investigations into several controversial decisions, including the proposed Fifa Forward Enterprise project, which was abandoned.
The criticism has added to calls for greater transparency and accountability within Fifa.
Opposition to Infantino does not automatically mean a viable presidential challenge because of the support from several national football associations.
When is the Fifa presidential election?
The next Fifa presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, at the 77th Fifa Congress in Rabat, Morocco. According to reports, prospective candidates face a November 18, 2026, nomination deadline and must secure backing from at least five Fifa member associations.
Gianni Infantino recent controversy
In October 2026, the Norwegian Football Federation filed formal complaints with Fifa’s ethics and governance committees over three issues. The first is Fifa’s decision to award its Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump, while the others are the lifting of US forward Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the 2026 World Cup, and the abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise plan.
