Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has distanced himself from FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors.
Wenger, who currently serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, said he had no involvement in the strategic project and only became aware of it through media reports.
The Frenchman issued the clarification following the backlash that forced FIFA to abandon the proposed investment plan.
“At FIFA, I am the Chief of Global Football Development,” Wenger said in a statement.
“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.
“In addition, I am a technical adviser to IFAB.”
Wenger stressed that he was not part of the team behind the proposed investment arrangement.
“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” he said.
The former Arsenal boss also backed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the proposal, describing the move as necessary.
“The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity,” Wenger added.
The proposed plan had reportedly faced strong opposition from football governing bodies and FIFA member associations, with concerns raised over its implications for the organisation’s governance and the future of the global game.
