‘Master General’ Wenger, will he face Infantino? Report on “Contemplation of running for FIFA President”

It has been reported that former Arsenal (England) manager Arsene Wenger (77, France) is considering running for the presidency of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) against President Gianni Infantino.

The British BBC reported on the 10th (local time) that "high-ranking officials in the European soccer world have been expecting Wenger to run for the FIFA presidential election for several weeks, and Wenger is also currently seriously considering it."

Questions are being raised about whether the elderly Wenger can fully serve as FIFA president, but according to the BBC, some supporters expressed a positive stance on the idea of ​​Wenger winning the election and stepping down before completing his entire four-year term.

However, the BBC added, "Wenger's associates say he has not yet decided whether to run," adding, "They also believe it is still highly likely that Infantino will secure a fourth and final term in next year's election."

The FIFA presidential election will be held at the General Assembly held in Morocco in March next year. The deadline for candidate registration is the 18th.

Former Tottenham (England) defender Ramon Vega was the first to announce his intention to run for office last month, followed by Kozo Tajima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, who recently announced his candidacy.

Last July, President Infantino announced a plan to sell commercial rights to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors, but withdrew the plan when faced with strong opposition from the soccer community, putting his position as head of FIFA under threat.

However, with support from South America, Africa, and Asia, the possibility of a second term is expected to be high. Recently, he claimed that the 'overwhelming majority' of the world's soccer community supports him.

However, if Wenger runs, there could be a change in the election landscape.

Wenger, who is in charge of global soccer development at FIFA, is expected to receive support, especially from UEFA, which has opposed Infantino.

In addition, having led Arsenal for 22 years and turning it into a prestigious club, he is evaluated as having built a high level of recognition and trust in the world of soccer.

Wenger, who contributed to the development of African players during his time as Arsenal manager, has also supported expanding the number of participating countries in the World Cup to 48 to provide development opportunities to countries other than traditional soccer powerhouses.

As the controversy surrounding Chairman Infantino's plan to 'sell World Cup shares' spread, Wenger, who was friendly to Chairman Infantino, appeared to distance himself from him.

“I was not involved in this strategic plan and I first became aware of the project through media reports,” Wenger said. “The decision to withdraw the project was necessary and without question, because I am committed to football and a firm believer in an independent FIFA that operates with transparency and integrity.”