# Wenger eyes Fifa presidency challenge to Infantino

> Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is reportedly preparing to stand against Gianni Infantino for Fifa's top job, with the incumbent facing mounting criticism over World Cup decisions.
- Title: Wenger eyes Fifa presidency challenge to Infantino · RFI
- Summary: Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is reportedly preparing to stand against Gianni Infantino for Fifa's top job, with the incumbent facing mounting…
- Keywords: arsène wenger, gianni infantino, fifa, world cup, football governance, 2026 world cup, private investment plan, folarin balogun, news, world, Wenger, eyes
- Source: RFI — https://rfi.fr/en/sports/20261013-former-arsenal-boss-wenger-touted-as-challenger-to-infantino-as-fifa-boss
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: arsène wenger, gianni infantino, fifa, world cup, football governance, 2026 world cup, private investment plan, folarin balogun, news, world
## Wenger set to challenge Infantino
Arsène Wenger, 76, is preparing to stand for Fifa president against Gianni Infantino, according to reports on Tuesday. Wenger is Fifa's chief of global football development.
## Infantino faces criticism over World Cup
Infantino has faced criticism since the two thousand twenty-six World Cup. He was also criticised for letting US President Donald Trump interfere in the tournament.
## Trump intervened in Balogun ban
Trump said he contacted Fifa to urge it to lift a one-match ban on US striker Folarin Balogun, sent off on one July. The ban was lifted the day before the Americans played Belgium.
## Wenger distanced from investment plan
In August, Wenger said he was not involved in a Fifa plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors. The plan was withdrawn.

> I firmly believe in an independent Fifa that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity.
## Major federations withdraw support
France, Switzerland and Belgium have withdrawn support for Infantino's bid for a fourth term. So far only former Switzerland international Ramon Vega, fifty-five, has said he will stand.
## Infantino retains powerful backing
Infantino, who succeeded Sepp Blatter in two thousand sixteen, has backing from Saudi Arabia, host of the two thousand thirty-four World Cup, and South American and African confederations.
## Belgium demands answers on Balogun
The Belgian federation wants to raise Balogun's red card at Thursday's Fifa Council meeting in Zurich. President Pascale Van Damme said questions remain unanswered two months after the events.

> Two months after the events, we note that our questions remain unanswered.
## Key takeaway

Arsène Wenger, Fifa's chief of global football development, is reportedly preparing to challenge Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency following criticism over the 2026 World Cup and a withdrawn private investment plan.