Arsene Wenger urged to challenge Gianni Infantino in 2027 FIFA presidential election

Arsene Wenger has been urged to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency as criticism of the governing body’s leadership intensifies ahead of the 2027 election.

Arsene Wenger has been urged to enter the race for FIFA president and challenge Gianni Infantino as pressure continues to build around the organisation’s leadership.

The call came from talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan after UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin delivered another pointed criticism of the direction of FIFA.

Infantino has faced growing scrutiny following the collapse of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme, alongside wider concerns over governance and decision-making.

The Swiss Football Association has also withdrawn its previous support for his re-election, citing questions over leadership, transparency and governance.

Wenger, meanwhile, has distanced himself from the abandoned commercial project, insisting he was not involved and reaffirming his belief in an independent FIFA committed to transparency and integrity.

The former Arsenal manager has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, focusing on areas including youth development, technical matters and football research.

Infantino confirmed earlier this year that he intends to seek another term, with the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.

The deadline for candidates to declare their intentions is November 18, meaning any potential challenge from Wenger would need to emerge within the coming weeks.

For now, Wenger has not indicated that he intends to stand, leaving Jordan’s suggestion as a political and football-governance proposal rather than an announced candidacy.

The growing debate, however, has placed the respected former Arsenal boss closer to a FIFA leadership conversation he has so far remained outside.