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Wenger steps back
With the deadline for nominations just four days away, BBC reports that Arsene Wenger has made a late decision not to enter the race. The 77-year-old currently serves as FIFA’s chief of global football development, a position to which he was appointed by Infantino.
Although Wenger had been weighing up a bid to unseat his boss, he ultimately chose to walk away. His refusal comes despite intense lobbying from senior figures, including French president Emmanuel Macron, who reportedly contacted his compatriot in an unsuccessful attempt to convince him to stand.
Infantino stands firm amid fierce criticism
While opposition to his leadership grows in Europe, Infantino has remained defiant about his standing in the game. He recently insisted that he retains the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of world football, pointing to strong support across South America, Africa and Asia.
That stance contrasts sharply with the view of several major football organisations, including the Football Association, which have claimed Infantino is no longer fit for the role. Wenger himself had previously voiced strong opposition to the incumbent, publicly condemning Infantino’s £15 billion World Cup sell-off plan.
A major blow to European opposition
Wenger’s withdrawal leaves UEFA without its preferred champion in its push to remove Infantino from office. European football’s governing body had viewed the former Arsenal boss as its strongest hope of toppling the controversial executive and was preparing to throw its full weight behind his campaign.
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The development strengthens Infantino’s grip on power at a time when his leadership has come under heavy scrutiny.
A scramble before the nomination deadline
UEFA has yet to announce an alternative candidate and faces a race against time to devise a new plan before nominations close in four days.
For now, only two individuals have confirmed their intention to run: Japanese FIFA Council member Kozo Tashima and former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega. However, Vega is expected to struggle to secure the necessary backing to mount a serious challenge.