FIFA executive Arsene Wenger backs decision to drop Gianni Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan
FIFA executive Arsène Wenger has publicly distanced himself from Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. Wenger stated that the withdrawal of the $20 billion proposal was necessary to maintain FIFA's independence and integrity.
Why it matters
The collapse of this major financial proposal highlights significant internal friction within FIFA and the growing pressure from European football bodies regarding the organization's governance.
FIFA executive Arsène Wenger on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) distanced himself from Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors and said it was “absolutely necessary” to drop the proposal.
Wenger's statement on the controversy came after a letter from UEFA's lawyers to Infantino threatening legal action named the French coaching great among 18 executives whose data and communications should be retained as potential evidence.
“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” said Wenger, who was hired by Infantino in 2019 and is FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development.
The statement by the former Arsenal coach did not name Infantino.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in