Critics Have Encouraged Arsène Wenger to Run for FIFA
Opponents of president Gianni Infantino are seeking an alternative candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Soccer
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Opponents of FIFA president Gianni Infantino are urging Arsène Wenger to challenge him for leadership. While the 76-year-old former Arsenal manager has been identified as a potential contender, no formal bid has been confirmed.
Why it matters
The search for a challenger follows internal friction within the global football organization. Candidates must secure formal backing from five national associations to move forward with a campaign.
A candidate needs the backing of 5 national associations to run in the election. Currently, Victor Montagliani has stated he does not plan to seek the presidency.
The players
Arsène Wenger
He is the current head of the FIFA Global Football Development division and a long-time former manager of Arsenal.
Gianni Infantino
He has served as the president of FIFA since he was first elected to the position in 2016.
Victor Montagliani
He is a high-ranking football executive who has clarified he does not intend to run for the FIFA presidency.
The details
Wenger, who currently leads the FIFA Global Football Development division, spent 22 years managing Arsenal where he won three league titles, seven FA Cups, and seven Community Shields. His potential candidacy arrives as the organization prepares for its next leadership vote.
Timeline
Gianni Infantino was first elected FIFA president in February 2016.
Official candidacy applications must be submitted by November 18, 2026.
The FIFA Congress election will take place in Morocco in March 2027.
Season Trajectory
This potential leadership challenge represents a pivot point for the governance structure of global football. It directly influences the upcoming administrative direction following the 2016 FIFA presidential election.
A change in FIFA leadership could lead to shifts in the Global Football Development division currently headed by Wenger. The election outcome in March 2027 will determine the administrative strategy for global football governance.
The takeaway
The race for the FIFA presidency remains in its early stages as potential candidates weigh the high threshold of securing national support. Fans and observers will look to the November 2026 application deadline to see who officially enters the field.
What happens next
Candidates must finalize their applications by November 18, 2026, before the official election scheduled for March 2027 in Morocco.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of the sport, visit our Soccer section.
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