Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is seriously considering a bid to challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino for the presidency of the world football governing body, FIFA, amid growing opposition to the Swiss administrator’s leadership.

The 77-year-old Frenchman, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, has reportedly been encouraged by senior European football officials to enter the race ahead of the March 2027 presidential election.

According to BBC Sport, sources close to Wenger say he is giving the possibility serious consideration, although he has yet to make a final decision.

Wenger is seen by some European football figures as a potential candidate capable of attracting wider support and presenting a credible challenge to Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016 and is seeking a fourth term.

The deadline for candidates to formally declare their intention to contest the election is November 18, while the vote is scheduled for March 18, 2027, at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.

Wenger’s possible candidacy comes amid controversy surrounding Infantino’s leadership, particularly the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which sought to bring private investors into a commercial venture involving FIFA’s World Cup-related rights.

The proposal attracted criticism from several football confederations, including UEFA, which expressed concerns about FIFA’s governance and decision-making processes.

Wenger also publicly distanced himself from the initiative, saying he was not involved in the proposal and had first learnt about it through media reports.

In a statement in August, he described the decision to abandon the project as necessary, stressing the importance of an independent FIFA that operates with transparency and integrity.

His comments attracted attention because of his position within FIFA and his longstanding professional relationship with Infantino, who appointed him to his current role after his departure from Arsenal in 2018.

Some of Wenger’s potential supporters reportedly believe he could serve as a transitional president, possibly stepping down before completing a full four-year term to allow reforms within the organisation.

His international reputation, particularly his experience working in Japan and his advocacy for football development in Africa, are considered potential advantages in a contest involving FIFA’s 211 member associations.

However, Infantino remains a strong contender, having secured significant support from football associations across Africa, Asia, South America and other regions.

The incumbent president has also insisted that he retains the backing of the overwhelming majority of FIFA members.

Wenger would not be the only potential challenger. Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima have also indicated their intention to contest the election.

Tashima formally announced his candidacy in November, while Vega previously declared his intention to challenge Infantino.

Under FIFA’s electoral rules, presidential candidates must secure nominations from at least five member associations to qualify for the election.

Despite the growing speculation, Wenger has not publicly confirmed whether he intends to run, leaving his decision as one of the major uncertainties ahead of the nomination deadline.

A formal challenge from the former Arsenal manager could significantly reshape the contest and intensify the debate over FIFA’s leadership, governance and future direction.