Arsène Wenger has been identified by some figures in European football as a potential candidate to challenge Gianni Infantino in next year’s FIFA presidential election, although the former Arsenal manager has not confirmed any intention to run. Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is widely expected to secure a fourth and final term despite facing mounting criticism over a controversial proposal to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

The FIFA Council convened in Zurich recently, marking its first meeting since the backlash against Infantino’s FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative came to light. The scheme, which involves selling commercial rights, has prompted opposition from football leaders across Europe, North America, and Asia, and raised calls for Infantino’s resignation. During the meeting, members discussed several contentious matters, including a proposed $3.4 billion increase in funding for football development, governance reforms, relations with the English Football Association, and scrutiny over last year’s inaugural FIFA Peace Prize awarded to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

One key issue under review was disciplinary proceedings related to United States striker Folarin Balogun, whose World Cup suspension was overturned following intervention linked to Trump and the peace prize controversy. Infantino proposed an amendment to limit the disciplinary committee’s authority to revoke single-match bans for red card offenses—a move seen as an attempt to address criticism of the Balogun case.

While Wenger remains a figure of interest, other prominent potential challengers have declined to stand. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, and Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa have all ruled themselves out. The former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega is currently the only declared candidate, though his prospects are considered minimal.

European football leaders and representatives from UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation have expressed confidence that a credible candidate will emerge to oppose Infantino, despite delays in coalescing around a nominee. Sources close to the anti-Infantino group suggest they are working behind the scenes and intend to announce their candidate close to the November 18 nomination deadline to limit FIFA’s ability to challenge their bid. High-profile figures such as former players Luis Figo—who previously called for Infantino to step down—and Michele Kang have been mentioned as potential contenders but have not confirmed any candidacy.

Infantino has sought to reinforce his global support through a tour targeting football associations in Africa, South America, and Oceania, regions viewed as critical to his re-election. Nevertheless, the upcoming election is shaping up to be one of the most contentious in FIFA’s recent history, with sharp divisions over governance and transparency at the forefront.