Arsène Wenger tipped to challenge Gianni Infantino for FIFA presidency

Arsène Wenger is being tipped to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency. Efforts are reportedly under way to prepare the Frenchman to face the incumbent, with the election expected to take place next March and Infantino growing increasingly confident about retaining his position.

Infantino is not giving up his efforts to stay in office, despite the scandals and ethics-related complaints he faces. Among his opponents, hope reportedly remains that a serious challenger will emerge before the deadline for submitting candidacies, set for November 18.

Other names have surfaced, but so far they have not formed a clearly defined challenge. Aleksander Ceferin has announced his intention to seek another term as UEFA president. Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, meanwhile, has said he is not considering the FIFA presidency. Victor Montagliani does not intend to challenge Infantino. Ali, who faced him in the 2015 election, has also been mentioned, although it remains unclear whether he will enter the race again.

Wenger holds considerable standing in world football and serves as head of football development at the international federation. His name could therefore give Infantino’s opponents a prominent option, but his candidacy is not confirmed.