Wenger supports decision to cancel Infantino’s World Cup plan

FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, says it was right to cancel the plan by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to sell part of the World Cup. Wenger called this decision “absolutely necessary and beyond question.”

Wenger, who used to manage Arsenal, took this stance after Infantino’s plan drew heavy criticism. Infantino wanted to sell a 20 percent stake in the World Cup to private investors through his FIFA Forward Enterprise.

This plan faced backlash from three continental football groups and forced Infantino to drop it. UEFA, which runs football in Europe, even threatened to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA events if Infantino moved forward with his idea.

Wenger, who is the most successful Arsenal manager, voiced his disagreement on Tuesday. He said, “The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side. 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.”

He added, “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.” Wenger believes that the withdrawal of this project was necessary. He said, “I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency and integrity.”

Wenger’s comments came after FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, stated that staff had been “deceived” by Infantino. Many European football associations have pulled their support for Infantino to prevent him from staying in power.

Infantino plans to run for re-election in March for a final term as president. He needs 106 votes from FIFA’s 211 members to win.

On Monday, the Football Association of Wales confirmed it had withdrawn its support for Infantino. Reports suggest that the English Football Association is also reaching out to FIFA to confirm its change in stance.

UEFA released a statement on Saturday that welcomed the cancellation of Infantino’s plan. They also said they had “lost confidence” in him.

Additionally, clubs in the European Football Clubs group have reportedly contacted FIFA directly to express their concerns about the proposal. Infantino’s plan was meant to influence the Club World Cup and would have affected agreements between European clubs and FIFA regarding competition rights.