By Adeola Kunle
Former Arsenal manager and FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, has welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon plans to sell a stake in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup, describing the move as both necessary and appropriate.
The proposal, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, sought to sell a 20 per cent stake in the World Cup and other competitions to private equity investors through FIFA Forward Enterprise. However, the plan attracted widespread criticism from football stakeholders and was eventually withdrawn after opposition from several continental football bodies.
Wenger, who joined FIFA in 2019, clarified that he had no involvement in the proposed investment initiative and only became aware of it through media reports.
In a statement, he explained that his responsibilities at FIFA focus on football development, including game analysis, the FIFA online training centre, youth education through 60 academies across 60 countries, youth competitions, and serving as a technical adviser to the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
"The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side," Wenger said.
"At FIFA, I am the Chief of Global Football Development. Together with my team, I oversee the data analysis of the game, the FIFA online training centre, the development of youth education through 60 academies across 60 countries where they are most needed, and youth competitions around the world.
"In addition, I am a technical adviser to IFAB. I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports.
"The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency and integrity."
Infantino's proposal faced strong resistance from across world football, with three continental confederations rejecting the plan. UEFA, European football's governing body, had warned that it could boycott the FIFA World Cup and other FIFA competitions if the proposal proceeded.
Wenger's comments came shortly after FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour reportedly said last week that staff within the global football body had been "deceived" over the proposal.
The controversy has also weakened support for Infantino ahead of FIFA's presidential election scheduled for March, where he is expected to seek a final term in office. To secure re-election, he will require at least 106 votes from FIFA's 211 member associations.
Several football associations in Europe have already withdrawn their backing for Infantino. The Football Association of Wales confirmed it had reversed its support, while the English Football Association is also understood to be formally notifying FIFA of a similar decision.
UEFA welcomed FIFA's decision to abandon the proposal but stated it had lost confidence in Infantino's leadership.
In addition, clubs represented within the European Football Clubs group are reported to have contacted FIFA directly to express concerns over the proposed investment structure, which would have affected existing plans for a joint venture between FIFA and European clubs regarding the commercial rights of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The withdrawal of the proposal marks the end of one of FIFA's most contentious commercial initiatives in recent years, following widespread opposition from football governing bodies, national associations and club stakeholders.
Adeola Kunle
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