Could Arsène Wenger become FIFA President? What it would mean for African football

Arsène Wenger, the legendary former Arsenal manager who now serves as FIFA's Head of Global Development, is giving serious thought to challenging incumbent president Gianni Infantino in next year's FIFA presidential election. Senior figures in European football have been courting the 77-year-old Frenchman for weeks, hoping he will put his name forward before the 18 November candidate registration deadline.

A presidency in crisis

Infantino's grip on the FIFA top job has been shaken significantly in recent months following fierce backlash over his abandoned plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors — a scheme known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. The controversy deepened when Infantino apologised at a council meeting but was unable to explain how the proposal had been drawn up, instead asking that questions be submitted in writing.

UEFA, which has led the charge against Infantino over the matter, gave FIFA a deadline of 2 November to release key documents related to the FFE and to answer outstanding questions. FIFA responded by saying documents would be made available only to council members who travel to its Zurich headquarters, and only under strict conditions — a move critics viewed as far from transparent.

Wenger himself was careful to distance himself from the failed sell-off plan. "I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports," he said, adding that the decision to withdraw it was "absolutely necessary" and that he firmly believes in an independent FIFA guided by transparency and integrity.

Despite the turmoil, Infantino continues to claim the support of the "vast, vast majority" of world football, and sources close to Wenger still consider the Swiss-Italian official the favourite to win a fourth and final term. Other candidates who have already declared include former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima.

What this means for Ghana and African football

For Ghanaians and football lovers across Africa, a Wenger candidacy carries real significance. Infantino secured a major boost recently when all 54 African member associations — including the Ghana Football Association — pledged their support, reportedly following promises of increased funding for the continent. That bloc of votes remains a powerful force in any FIFA election.

However, Wenger is no stranger to Africa. During his long tenure at Arsenal, he was widely regarded as one of the most prominent advocates for African talent in European football, unearthing and developing players from across the continent. His backing of an expanded 48-team World Cup, designed to bring more nations — including African ones — into the game's biggest stage, has been warmly received in the region.

If Wenger were to stand, he would do so with UEFA's full backing, giving him considerable resources and credibility. His long-standing loyalty to Infantino had been noted, but his public break from the FFE controversy suggests he is willing to chart an independent course. Some of his supporters have even floated the idea that he could win the election and then step down before completing a full four-year term, acting as a transitional figurehead to steer reform.

The bigger picture for FIFA reform

At 77, questions about Wenger's capacity for long-term leadership are inevitable. But the conversation around his potential candidacy reflects a broader desire within football's establishment for greater accountability and transparency at FIFA — values that resonate strongly in Ghana, where football governance has itself faced scrutiny in recent years.

• The candidate deadline is 18 November, meaning a decision from Wenger is expected very soon.
• A Wenger presidency could bring renewed focus on player development in Africa and the Global South.
• Ghana and other African nations will be watching closely to see whether their football associations maintain or reconsider their backing of Infantino.

Whether Wenger ultimately decides to stand or not, the fact that his name is being seriously discussed has already signalled that Infantino's path to a fourth term may be less smooth than it once appeared.