Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has emerged as a potential challenger to Gianni Infantino in the 2027 FIFA presidential election, with reports indicating that moves are underway to persuade the Frenchman to enter the race.

Wenger, however, has not publicly confirmed that he will contest the election, while the deadline for nominations is November 18, 2026.The election is scheduled to hold at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027.

According to reports, opponents of Infantino are exploring Wenger as a possible candidate capable of challenging the incumbent FIFA president.

The development comes amid growing calls within parts on European football for changes in leadership of FIFA. UEFA”s 55 member associations recently outlined the qualities they want in a future FIFA president, including a respected and unifying figure with strong football credentials and international credibility.

Wenger, 76, has been FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019. He previously enjoyed a highly successful managerial career at Arsenal, where he spent more than two decades in charge.

His name has gained prominence following controversy surrounding FIFA’s abandoned proposal to create a new a new commercial entity linked to the governing body’s tournament rights.

Wenger said in August that he had not been involved in the proposal and only learnt about it through the media reports.

He described FIFA’s decision to withdraw the project as “absolutely necessary and beyond question”, stressing his belief in an independent FIFA committed to transparency and integrity. Meanwhile, Infantino has confirmed that he intends to seek another term as FIFA president.

He announced his intention to contest the 2027 election at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in May.

Infantino is seeking to remain in office until 2030, having first become FIFA president in 2016.

-9News Nigeria.