New Delhi, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is seriously considering entering the race for FIFA president and challenging incumbent Gianni Infantino in the election scheduled for March 2027, according to a BBC report.
The 77-year-old Frenchman, who heads FIFA’s Global Football Development programme, has reportedly been encouraged by influential figures in European football to contest the election. Although Wenger has not taken a final decision, the possibility of his candidature has gained momentum in recent weeks.
Several of his supporters believe he could emerge as a strong alternative to Infantino and are prepared to back his bid. However, Wenger’s age has emerged as a potential concern, particularly over his ability to lead FIFA through a full four-year presidential term.
Infantino, who took charge of FIFA in 2016 after Sepp Blatter’s departure, is expected to seek another term at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027. He was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023.
His leadership has faced scrutiny over several contentious decisions, including a proposal to bring private investors into FIFA competitions through the sale of minority stakes. The proposal drew opposition from football stakeholders, with UEFA even raising the possibility of boycotting FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. The European governing body later dropped the threat after receiving assurances that such ownership arrangements would not be pursued.
Wenger has remained involved in football administration since ending his 22-year managerial spell at Arsenal in 2018. He won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups with the north London club before joining FIFA in 2019 as Chief of Global Football Development. He also chairs FIFA’s Technical Study Group and contributes to discussions on the game’s development and possible changes to its laws.
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