Wenger Backs FIFA’s Surprise U-Turn

According to Ireporter Online, the proposal, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, sought to establish a commercial subsidiary that would oversee the organisation’s flagship tournaments, including the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups, while allowing private investors to acquire ownership stakes in the business.

As part of the plan, FIFA reportedly offered each of its 211 member associations up to $40 million in exchange for their support. However, the proposal triggered strong resistance from several football stakeholders, with UEFA and its 55 member associations warning that they would boycott FIFA competitions if the initiative was implemented.

Amid mounting criticism and the threat of legal action from the European football governing body, FIFA eventually withdrew the proposal.

Reacting to the development, Wenger clarified that he had no involvement in drafting or promoting the investment plan, explaining that he first became aware of it through media reports. He maintained that withdrawing the proposal was the right decision, stressing his belief that FIFA should remain an independent organisation committed to transparency, integrity, and the long-term interests of football.

The former Arsenal manager, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, oversees areas including football development programmes, youth competitions, technical education, and performance analysis. He had previously supported Infantino’s unsuccessful campaign to stage the FIFA World Cup every two years.

Despite distancing himself from the investment proposal, Wenger is reportedly among 18 FIFA officials listed in a document preservation request issued by UEFA as the organisation considers possible legal action over the now-abandoned plan.

The controversy has also led to the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino on global strategy and governance. Cordeiro reportedly stepped down after publicly criticising the proposal, describing it as a poor deal that risked compromising the future of world football.