Arsene Wenger is considering standing as a candidate against Gianni Infantino in Fifa's presidential election. Senior figures in the European game have for weeks been hoping Wenger would run for the Fifa presidency, and he is now giving the prospect serious thought.
Wenger's position and emerging support
Arsene Wenger, aged seventy-seven, is Fifa's head of global development. For several weeks, senior figures in European football have been hoping he would enter the presidential race, and he is now seriously considering doing so. It is stated that Wenger has credibility throughout the footballing world.
It is claimed that Wenger would have the backing of Uefa if he stands in the Fifa presidential election. Some of Wenger's supporters have told BBC Sport that they would be happy for him to win the Fifa presidential election, then stand down before serving a full four-year term. Sources close to Wenger say he is yet to decide whether to stand in the Fifa presidential election.
Sources close to Wenger still believe Gianni Infantino is favourite to win a fourth and final term in next year's Fifa presidential election.
Infantino's crisis and response
Gianni Infantino's position was plunged into crisis by a backlash caused by his failed plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Fifa said that "key documents" relating to Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup would be made available to members of its council, but they will have to travel to its Zurich base and access will be under "strict protocols".
Amid the controversy, a council meeting was held at which Gianni Infantino apologised for the abandoned sell-off plot but failed to explain how the proposal was devised, asking that questions be submitted in writing. Infantino recently insisted he has the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of world football.
It is reported that Gianni Infantino retains support in South America, Africa and Asia. He recently received a major re-election boost in Africa when he received the backing of all 54 member national associations after promising an increase in funding.
Uefa opposition and election timetable
Uefa has spearheaded opposition to Gianni Infantino. Uefa gave Fifa until 2 November to release details about the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal and to answer questions relating to its decision-making. That followed a council meeting at which Infantino apologised.
The deadline for candidates to confirm they are standing against Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidential election in March is 18 November. Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega was the first person to put his name forward as a candidate in the Fifa presidential election in October. Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has also announced his intention to stand in the Fifa presidential election.
Wenger and the Fifa Forward Enterprise fallout
Amid the fallout over the Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal, Arsene Wenger, who has traditionally been loyal to Gianni Infantino, distanced himself from the aborted plot. Wenger said: "I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports."
Wenger added: "The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent Fifa that serves our game with commitment, transparency and integrity."
It is stated that Wenger has caused controversy at times in his Fifa role, notably for proposals such as biennial World Cups and a "daylight" offside law.
Wenger's image in Africa and World Cup expansion
It is reported that Arsene Wenger is known as a champion of African players when in charge at Arsenal. Wenger's support of an expanded 48-team World Cup in order to drive development in countries beyond the game's traditional powers has been well received in Africa.
