Football NewsBBC SportUnverified source· 4 Aug 2026
Wenger: Scrapping Fifa private investment was 'absolutely necessary'
Fifa's chief of global football development breaks silence after president Infantino's plan collapses.
A. Wenger
coach
Role
Chief of global football development at Fifa
Since
2019
Plan
Create commercial subsidiary with private investors for World Cups
Offer
$40m (£30m) per member association
Opposition
Uefa's 55 nations threatened boycott
What happened. Arsene Wenger said scrapping private investment in Fifa competitions was 'absolutely necessary and beyond question', after president Infantino withdrew the plan following criticism.
- Wenger said he was not involved in the strategic plan.
- He first learned of the project through media reports.
- He called for 'transparency and integrity' from Fifa.
“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.”
— Arsene Wenger
Wenger's statement comes after Infantino's proposal faced backlash, highlighting internal tensions at Fifa.
In this story
More to read
Get French Football
‘I learned about the project through the press’ – Arsène Wenger distances himself from Gianni Infantino
The Guardian
Wenger and Infantino’s No 2 Grafström criticise ‘sad and reproachable’ World Cup plan
GiveMeSport
Arsene Wenger Releases Statement After Failed FIFA FFE Plan
Football.London
Arsene Wenger breaks silence on FIFA World Cup sale plan as Gianni Infantino pressure mounts
