Arsene Wenger, the head of global football development for FIFA, has publicly endorsed the cancellation of Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell equity in the World Cup. He described the move to abandon the scheme as completely necessary and vital for maintaining the organization’s integrity.
Infantino had sought to offload a 20 percent stake in the tournament via his FIFA Forward Enterprise project. However, the proposal faced intense backlash from various continental confederations, with UEFA even threatening a boycott of FIFA events. Ultimately, the pressure forced Infantino to shelve the project.
Wenger clarified his position in a formal statement, noting that he was never involved in the strategic planning of the deal and only learned of it through news reports. He emphasized that he stands for a transparent and independent FIFA. His comments echo recent criticisms from other high-ranking FIFA officials, including Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, who claimed staff felt misled by the leadership.
The controversy has caused a significant rift, leading several European football associations to withdraw their support for Infantino ahead of the upcoming March re-election. Organizations like the Football Association of Wales and the English Football Association have signaled a shift in their stance, while UEFA has explicitly stated that it has lost confidence in the current president.
