Arsene Wenger set to withdraw from FIFA presidential race against Gianni Infantino

Arsene Wenger is increasingly unlikely to stand against Gianni Infantino in the next FIFA presidential election, leaving the current president’s opponents searching for an alternative candidate.

The former Arsenal manager had been viewed as the strongest potential challenger to Infantino, but French newspaper L’Equipe reports that Wenger is now leaning towards not entering the contest. His position is expected to become clearer at FIFA’s electoral congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March.

Wenger’s name had been discussed as a possible rival for the past two and a half months, although he had remained undecided and had not formally announced his intentions.

Since the end of August, the former Arsenal manager had seriously considered challenging Infantino. His frustration with the way FIFA was being run had grown, and at times he felt compelled to act to prevent Infantino from securing another four-year term.

However, Wenger’s enthusiasm for a campaign fluctuated. He also recognised the difficulty of taking on the influence held by the current FIFA president, which contributed to his doubts about standing.

His concerns extended beyond the electoral calculations. Wenger believed the presidency would take him too far away from the pitch, the area in which most of his professional experience lies. He was also said to be concerned about what the report described as the patronage surrounding Infantino.

Those considering a challenge to Infantino regarded Wenger as an ideal candidate because of his international reputation, his image of integrity, and his experience and expertise in football.

Although he is European, Wenger has no direct association with UEFA. He is also respected in Africa and Asia and worked for years with FIFA’s 211 member associations in his role as chief of global football development.

His possible candidacy was supported by a faction within FIFA’s administration that had become dissatisfied with Infantino’s leadership and wanted a challenger to emerge from the international football community.

The disagreement between Wenger and Infantino became public over a proposal to sell shares in the World Cup. Wenger criticised the plan, said he had learned about it through the media and called for it to be abandoned.

He also called for “an independent FIFA” that would serve football with commitment, transparency and integrity.

UEFA has repeatedly stated that it will put forward a candidate to oppose Infantino, but the identity of that person remains unknown. Time is running short for the president’s opponents, particularly if Wenger’s withdrawal is confirmed.

The deadline for submitting candidacy applications is 18 November, leaving Infantino’s rivals in a race against time to find an alternative to the man they had considered his most credible challenger.