Wenger seriously considering challenge to Infantino for Fifa presidency

Arsène Wenger is seriously considering standing against Gianni Infantino for Fifa president, with candidates due to confirm their plans by 18 November. The election is in March, and Infantino is seeking a fourth and final term.

Senior figures in European football have been urging the former Arsenal manager to run. Some have said they would support him even if he stood down before completing the four-year term, BBC Sport reports. Wenger, 77, has not decided, and people close to him still expect Infantino to be favourite.

A Wenger candidacy could challenge Infantino’s support, although the Fifa president retains backing in South America, Africa and Asia. He recently said he had the support of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.

The election comes after Fifa abandoned a plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors, prompting a backlash. Uefa, which has led opposition to Infantino, gave Fifa until 2 November to disclose details of the proposal and answer questions about how it was devised. Fifa has said council members can inspect key documents at its Zurich headquarters under strict protocols.

Wenger, who has generally been loyal to Infantino, said he had not been involved in the plan and had first learned of it through media reports. He called its withdrawal “absolutely necessary”.

Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima have also announced plans to stand. Wenger’s decision could bring a prominent European challenger into a contest in which Infantino remains the favourite, according to people close to the former manager.