Arsene Wenger won’t be standing against Gianni Infantino in the Fifa presidential election, BBC Sport say.
The former Arsenal boss had been weighing up a run and would have had Uefa behind him, given European football’s governing body has led the opposition to Infantino. Sources now say he’s ruled himself out. L’Equipe had reported on Saturday that he was unlikely to challenge his boss.
Infantino has been under pressure since his plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors collapsed amid a huge backlash. Wenger, who is Fifa’s head of global development, kept his distance at the time. “I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” he said, adding that pulling the plan was necessary because “I firmly believe in an independent Fifa that serves our game with commitment, transparency and integrity.”
It’s a big lift for Infantino, who wants a fourth term. Wenger has credibility right across the game, and one influential figure among those opposed to the president called the news “a real shame”.
“Even if not perfect, I do think he could have galvanized many around the world,” they added.
Uefa still hopes to find another candidate before Wednesday’s deadline. Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega was the first to put his name forward in October, and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has said he’ll stand too. The 68-year-old hasn’t yet got the five endorsements from member associations that he needs, but is “still fighting hard”.
Infantino, meanwhile, still has support in South America, Africa and Asia, and has insisted he has the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.
Footiebuzz View
Wenger was the one name who could have made this a proper contest. Everyone in the game knows him, and Uefa would have got behind him. Without him, the opposition is Ramon Vega and a candidate who still hasn’t got the nominations he needs, with days to go. Unless Uefa pull someone credible out by Wednesday, Infantino walks into a fourth term and the World Cup stakes fiasco barely leaves a mark.