Wenger considers challenge to Infantino for FIFA presidency
Arsène Wenger, the former Arsenal manager, is considering standing against Gianni Infantino in the election for the presidency of FIFA, the body that runs world football. The vote is due in March, and BBC Sport reported the story on 10 November.
Wenger is 77. He currently works for FIFA as its head of global development, a role that involves helping member countries build their game. Standing against his own boss would be a big step, and people close to him say he has not yet decided.
Those close to Wenger also believe Infantino would remain the favourite. Infantino is seeking a fourth and final term. He has already won the backing of all 54 African member associations, the national federations that make up the continent's bloc, after promising more money for the game there.
Senior figures in European football have told BBC Sport that they would accept Wenger winning the election and then stepping down before serving a full four-year term. UEFA, the governing body for European football, has led the opposition to Infantino. If Wenger stands, he would have its backing.
The field is already taking shape. Ramon Vega, a former Tottenham defender, was the first to put his name forward in October. Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has also announced he will stand. Candidates have until 18 November to confirm they are running.
Wenger has also spoken about a separate FIFA project. He said he was not involved in the FIFA Forward Enterprise strategic plan and first learned of it from media reports. He said the decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary.
A further thread concerns a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. FIFA has said the key documents on that plan will be made available to council members at its headquarters in Zurich, under strict protocols on how they can be viewed.
For anyone new to this story, the rules are simple. A candidate needs to confirm by the deadline, and the wider football world then gets a few months to decide. Wenger has not yet made up his mind, and the next few weeks will show whether a second name joins Vega and Tashima on the list.
