Arsene Wenger Rules Out Challenging Infantino Days Before FIFA Nominations Close

• Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s head of global development, has decided not to stand against Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election, per BBC Sport.
• Wenger would have had the backing of UEFA, which has led the opposition to Infantino.
• Nominations close on Wednesday, and Kozo Tashima has not yet secured the five endorsements he needs.

The Candidate UEFA Wanted Has Walked Away From Infantino’s Fight

Arsene Wenger will not run for the FIFA presidency. The 77-year-old former Arsenal manager had been considering a challenge to Gianni Infantino and was the candidate UEFA wanted. He has ruled himself out, and the news is a significant boost to Infantino as he seeks a fourth term. Nominations close on Wednesday, so the group trying to remove the president now has days to find another name. FIFA has been approached for comment.

Why Wenger Was Seen as the Best Hope

Wenger has credibility throughout the footballing world, and he was seen as Europe’s best hope of unseating Infantino. UEFA had been planning to throw its power behind him, though it has not yet announced a candidate.

French president Emmanuel Macron was thought to have contacted his compatriot to convince him to put his name forward, but failed to do so. A French newspaper said on Saturday that Wenger was unlikely to challenge his boss. By Sunday he had decided against it, choosing not to take on the man who appointed him.

One influential figure in the group of stakeholders opposed to Infantino called the news “a real shame”.

“Even if not perfect, I do think he could have galvanized many around the world,” they added.

What Put Infantino in Trouble

Infantino’s position was plunged into crisis by the backlash over his failed plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Wenger has traditionally been loyal to Infantino, yet he distanced himself from the aborted plan when the fallout began.

“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” Wenger said at the time.

“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.”

When the plan collapsed at the end of July, UEFA weighed up legal action over the sell-off proposal.

Wenger’s comments came as the pressure grew in early August, when Infantino called an emergency meeting of FIFA’s senior leadership in Rabat as opposition built.

England FA chair Debbie Hewitt said last month that Infantino has to answer the council’s questions after his apology to the FIFA Council.

Who Is Left to Stand

Two names have come forward so far. Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega was the first person to put his name forward, back in October. Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has also announced his intention to stand. The 68-year-old has not yet secured the five endorsements he needs from member associations before Wednesday’s deadline, but he is “still fighting hard”.

Infantino, meanwhile, has retained support in South America, Africa and Asia. He recently insisted he has the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.

UEFA is still hopeful of finding an alternative candidate before the deadline passes. If it does not, the opposition to Infantino will go into the election without Wenger, the candidate it had been planning to back.