Arsène Wenger has become a more visible possible challenger to Gianni Infantino shortly before the FIFA presidential nomination deadline. But the crucial step is still missing: the former Arsenal manager has not declared a candidacy.
Hans-Joachim Watzke, the DFB vice-president, described Wenger as a suitable candidate for the next FIFA presidential election in comments to RTL and Sky Sport. “He would be top,” Watzke said, according to Der Spiegel. The intervention matters because UEFA is seeking a change at FIFA but has not presented a candidate of its own for the 18 March 2027 election.
Der Spiegel, citing reporting by the New York Times and the BBC, said Wenger is considering a run against Infantino. Watzke also stressed that Wenger has not committed himself. That leaves a material gap between public endorsement and a filed nomination.
Watzke’s intervention is therefore more than empty name-dropping, but it is not yet a breakthrough for an anti-Infantino bid. It identifies a concrete figure around whom support in European football could coalesce. A credible election alternative, however, requires a nomination filed on time and support that reaches beyond UEFA.
The deadline gives that distinction immediate weight. According to the report, nominations close next Wednesday. Watzke also pointed to Japanese football official Kozo Tashima, who has already submitted an application. The question for Wenger and UEFA is no longer whether he is viewed as a credible option, but whether reported consideration becomes a formal candidacy in time.
Sources
- Der Spiegel · Source date: 2026-11-14
Independent editorial content. WUA is not affiliated with any political party. 2026-11-14