REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Arsene Wenger has released a statement after receiving criticism for failing to speak out against FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s scuppered plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.
FIFA insisted last week that their controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal was not an attempt to ‘sell football’, amid reports that its 211 member associations would make an instant £15 million ($20 million) if they voted through the plans.
An additional £50 million ($66 million) was set to be given to each association before 2038.
However, under-fire Infantino announced on Saturday that the FFE proposal had been scrapped following widespread opposition, with UEFA threatening to boycott future World Cups if the plans went ahead.
Arsene Wenger Criticised For Failing to Speak Out
Arsene Wenger speaking at a FIFA event
While Infantino has been the subject of most of the backlash, there has also been criticism directed towards legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019.
Former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino recently told talkSPORT: "The one thing that's really surprised me is Arsene Wenger, who's got a real pivotal role within FIFA and he's obviously been an incredible manager.
"Nothing at all from Arsene Wenger and you'd have felt that he would have [something to say].
"But... the way he's always managed and you always felt he loves the game so much, and what he achieved as a club manager and his role at FIFA – and Arsene's been very, very quiet.
"And it's hard to know exactly where he stands as well - because he'll get questioned, Arsene Wenger."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Sepp Blatter
Cristiano Ronaldo and Sepp Blatter
Wenger Breaks Silence With Statement
Arsene Wenger
But in a statement provided to GiveMeSport, Wenger has now broken his silence. The 76-year-old Frenchman said:
Infantino is currently locked in a battle to save his position as FIFA president, having worked in the role since 2016.
While several of FIFA’s member associations have withdrawn letters of support for the 56-year-old, who is seeking a fourth term in charge, others are still backing him ahead of next March’s presidential election in Rabat, Morocco.