Arsène Wenger emerges as possible French FIFA candidate

France’s break with Gianni Infantino has pushed the French Football Federation into a search for an alternative candidate for the FIFA presidency. Arsène Wenger has emerged as a possible choice, although no candidacy has been declared and there is no indication yet that he wants to challenge the incumbent.

The federation, led by Philippe Diallo, has withdrawn its confidence in Infantino after previously supporting him for several years. It now plans to consult academics, international organisation officials and French or foreign public figures while considering a new approach to FIFA governance. Any candidate backed by France would need support well beyond Europe, where Infantino retains allies across several continents.

Wenger’s profile gives the idea weight. The former Arsenal manager is FIFA’s director of global football development, giving him an understanding of the organisation’s workings, while his international reputation could help France present a credible alternative. His involvement inside FIFA also makes the possibility more complicated, since he would be seeking to lead the institution where he currently works.

The federation has limited time to settle on a figure capable of carrying its challenge. FIFA presidential candidacies must be submitted by 18 November, leaving Wenger’s willingness to enter the contest as the central uncertainty.