Wenger considers standing against Infantino

What the report says

Arsene Wenger is weighing whether to run against Gianni Infantino in Fifa’s presidential election next March, according to BBC Sport Football. The former Arsenal manager, who now serves as Fifa’s head of global football development, has not made a final decision, but senior figures in European football have been encouraging him to enter the race.

The report says Wenger would likely have strong backing from Uefa, which has been leading opposition to Infantino after criticism over a shelved plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. That episode has put pressure on Infantino, although he still appears to have substantial support across South America, Africa and Asia. BBC Sport says sources close to Wenger believe Infantino would still be the favourite, even if Wenger does stand.

The deadline for candidates to declare is 18 November. Two other challengers have already signalled interest: former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima. Wenger, 77, has a long profile in global football and has previously backed some of Infantino’s development priorities, though he publicly distanced himself from the abandoned investment proposal and stressed the need for transparency and integrity at Fifa. If he enters the contest, it could sharpen divisions within world football ahead of the March vote.