Ex-Arsenal boss Wenger was ‘not aware’ of Infantino’s FIFA plan

FIFA's chief of global football development Arsene Wenger has publicly distanced himself from a controversial privatization proposal that would have fundamentally restructured how the world governing body operates. The plan, which Infantino withdrew following widespread opposition, would have created a subsidiary entity to commercialize FIFA's most profitable operations.

Wenger stated that he first learned of the initiative through media reports and played no role in its development. His public statement came after UEFA, European football's governing body, sent a preservation letter to FIFA requesting that communications and data from Wenger and 17 other executives be retained as potential evidence. UEFA confirmed the legal request but declined further comment.

The withdrawn proposal would have established FIFA Forward Enterprise as a separate entity to manage tournament organization and the sale of broadcasting, sponsorship, and ticketing rights. The plan sought to raise approximately $4.2 billion by selling roughly 20 percent equity stakes to investors, valuing the subsidiary at $20 billion. Thrive Eternal, a firm launched by Joshua Kushner, was identified as the anchor investor.

FIFA's 211 member federations were offered $20 million each to accept the arrangement, with a deadline of September 19. They were also promised doubled funding through 2030, increasing from $10 million to $20 million annually. The proposal emerged just one week after the 2024 World Cup concluded with record revenues of $15 billion for the 2023–2026 commercial cycle, nearly double the income from the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.

Wenger's statement emphasized his belief in FIFA maintaining independence, transparency, and integrity. The proposal faced fierce opposition from global football organizations and officials, with UEFA threatening to boycott FIFA events if the plan proceeded.