Wenger backs FIFA U-turn over investment plan
· Yahoo Sports
Arsene Wenger says FIFA made the right decision by abandoning its controversial proposal to allow private investment in the governing body’s flagship competitions.
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The former Arsenal manager, now FIFA’s chief of global football development, said scrapping the plan was “absolutely necessary and beyond question” following widespread opposition from across the football world.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had proposed creating a commercial subsidiary to manage major tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, with external investors able to buy stakes. The plan reportedly included an offer of $40 million (£30m) to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations in exchange for their backing.
However, the proposal was withdrawn after fierce criticism, including the threat of a boycott of FIFA competitions by UEFA’s 55 member associations.
Wenger backs FIFA U-turn over investment plan
In a statement released through FIFA, Wenger distanced himself from the proposal and stressed he had no involvement in its development.
“The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side,” he said.
“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, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity.”
Wenger is among 18 FIFA officials named in a document preservation letter sent by UEFA as the European governing body considers potential legal action over the proposal.
The controversy has already prompted one high-profile resignation, with Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s senior adviser on global strategy and governance, stepping down after describing the investment plan as “a bad deal for football” that would “mortgage football’s future.”
The episode represents one of the biggest governance challenges of Infantino’s presidency and has reignited debate over FIFA’s future commercial direction.