Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has backed FIFA’s decision to abandon President Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup, describing the move as “absolutely necessary and beyond question.”
Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, distanced himself from the proposal, saying he only became aware of the plan through media reports and had no involvement in its development.
Infantino had proposed selling a 20 percent stake in the World Cup to private equity investors through FIFA Forward Enterprise, a move that sparked widespread criticism across the football community.
The proposal was rejected by three continental football confederations, while UEFA reportedly threatened to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions if the plan proceeded, ultimately forcing FIFA to withdraw the initiative.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Wenger reaffirmed his support for an independent FIFA committed to transparency and integrity.
“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,” Wenger said.
He also outlined his responsibilities at FIFA, which include overseeing global football development, youth education programmes across 60 countries, the FIFA online training centre, and serving as a technical adviser to the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
Wenger’s comments add to growing criticism of Infantino’s leadership. Last week, FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour claimed staff members at the governing body had been “deceived” over the proposed investment plan.
The controversy has also triggered political fallout within world football. Several European football associations have withdrawn their support for Infantino ahead of FIFA’s presidential election scheduled for March, where he is expected to seek a final term in office.
The Football Association of Wales has officially confirmed it no longer backs Infantino, while the English Football Association is also expected to communicate a similar position to FIFA.
UEFA, although welcoming the withdrawal of the investment proposal, said it had “lost confidence” in Infantino. Meanwhile, clubs represented within the European Club Association also reportedly expressed concerns directly to FIFA over the plan.
The abandoned proposal was expected to include commercial rights linked to the Club World Cup and could have altered previously agreed arrangements between FIFA and European clubs on the tournament’s commercial structure.
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