Former Arsenal manager and current FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, has clarified his position on the now-abandoned FIFA investment project, saying he only became aware of the proposal through media reports.
The proposed initiative reportedly sought to sell a 20% stake in FIFA’s commercial rights, including the FIFA World Cup, to investors as part of efforts to generate additional revenue for the development of football and sports globally.
Wenger stressed that he played no role in the strategic plan and welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the proposal.
“The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side. At FIFA, I am the Chief of Global Football Development. Together with my team, I oversee the data analysis of the game, the FIFA Online Training Centre, the development of youth education through 60 academies across 60 countries where they are most needed, and youth competitions around the world.
“In addition, I am a technical adviser to IFAB. 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.”
The proposal faced strong opposition from several football confederations and their member associations before FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that it had been abandoned.
Before joining FIFA, Wenger built his reputation as one of football’s most influential managers during his 22-year spell at Arsenal. He took charge of the club on 1 October 1996 and stepped down at the end of the 2017–18 season.
During his time in north London, Wenger won three Premier League titles, including the famous 2003–04 “Invincibles” campaign, seven FA Cups, the most by any manager in the competition’s history, and seven Community Shields.
