Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, has voiced strong support for Gianni Infantino’s decision to withdraw a contentious proposal to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors. Wenger described the move as “absolutely necessary and beyond question” during a statement made on Tuesday.

The proposal, aimed at establishing Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) and selling a 20 percent share to private equity firms, faced widespread opposition. Three continental confederations rejected the plan, and Uefa threatened to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions if it proceeded.

Wenger clarified his stance, distancing himself from the FFE initiative and emphasizing his commitment to FIFA’s integrity. He stated:

“The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side... I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports.”
“The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question.”

In his role, Wenger oversees various responsibilities, including:

• Data analysis
• Online training
• Youth development through 60 academies
• Acting as a technical adviser to Ifab

His support for Infantino's withdrawal aligns with a rising number of European football associations that are retracting their backing. The Football Association is reportedly confirming its change in position, while the Football Association of Wales has already publicly stated its withdrawal of support.

Uefa welcomed the abandonment of the FFE plan but expressed that it had “lost confidence” in Infantino’s leadership. Concerns also arose from the European Football Clubs (EFC) group, which contacted FIFA regarding the potential impact of the FFE plan on existing agreements for competition rights. Currently, FIFA lacks an agreement with the EFC for the 2029 Club World Cup. The controversy intensified further following remarks from FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, who stated that staff had been “deceived” by Infantino.