Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, has issued a statement clarifying his non-involvement in the controversial “FIFA Forward Enterprise” (FFE) proposal, which aimed to sell stakes in the World Cup. The 76-year-old’s statement comes after he faced criticism for his silence regarding the plan, which FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently confirmed had been scrapped.
The FFE proposal, which FIFA insisted was not an attempt to ‘sell football’, had offered significant financial incentives to the organisation’s 211 member associations. Reports suggested that each association would receive:
- An instant £15 million ($20 million) upon the plan’s approval.
- An additional £50 million ($66 million) before 2038.
Despite these lucrative offers, the FFE plan faced widespread opposition, including a threat from UEFA to boycott future World Cups if it proceeded. Infantino announced on Saturday that the proposal had been withdrawn.
Wenger’s role and the criticism
Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, had been notably quiet as the controversy unfolded. This silence drew criticism from figures such as former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino.
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“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,” Cascarino told talkSPORT. “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.”
Clarifying his position
In a statement provided to GiveMeSport, Wenger addressed the situation directly, outlining his responsibilities and distance from the FFE project.
“The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side,” Wenger stated. “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.”
He continued, “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.”
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The scrapping of the FFE proposal comes as Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, is locked in a battle to save his position. He is seeking a fourth term in charge, with the next FIFA presidential election scheduled for March in Rabat, Morocco.
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