Arsene Wenger is moving closer to a decision on whether to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, with L’Équipe reporting that the former Arsenal manager could clarify his position by the middle of next week.

The 77-year-old has been encouraged to enter the race by senior figures in European football but has yet to publicly confirm his candidacy.

The development comes as FIFA’s nomination deadline approaches. Candidates must submit their paperwork by 18 November 2026, ahead of the presidential election at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat on 18 March 2027.

What Has Changed in Wenger’s Position

The latest report points to an imminent decision, with L’Équipe suggesting Wenger is seriously considering a run for the presidency.

His age has also become part of the discussion. At 77, Wenger would be an unusually high-profile candidate for FIFA’s top job, although L’Équipe does not present it as a reason he will rule himself out.

Wenger’s current position within FIFA adds another dimension. He has served as the organisation’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, meaning a potential challenge to Infantino would come from someone already working within football’s governing body.

ESPN reported on 6 November that Wenger is not expected to renew his contract when it expires. Neither Wenger nor FIFA has confirmed the report, so it remains unclear whether he plans to leave his current role to pursue the presidency.

With the nomination deadline approaching, Wenger has little time to turn his interest into a formal candidacy.

Tashima’s Entry Changes the Field

Wenger’s entry would add a high-profile name to a contest in which several potential challengers have emerged, but no confirmed candidate has yet matched Infantino’s position as the incumbent.

Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has announced his intention to run, while former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has also declared his interest.

Tashima said: “What FIFA needs now are these values that we have protected. I have decided to run to make this appeal to the world.”

Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has already declared his intention to run, while Tashima’s entry means Infantino could face multiple challengers.

According to talkSPORT, Tashima is the first candidate to receive official backing from a football association and needs nominations from four more member associations to qualify.

The number of candidates could also affect the voting process. If there are two or fewer candidates, the winner needs more than 50% of valid votes cast. If there are more than two, the threshold rises to two-thirds in the first round.

What A Decision Would Mean For Infantino

Wenger would bring considerable international recognition, managerial experience and an existing role within FIFA. His reputation across the game could help him attract support from member associations considering an alternative to Infantino.

However, Infantino already has backing from several regional football bodies. The Caribbean Football Union announced on 6 November that it would endorse him for another term, while support has also been reported across confederations including CAF, AFC, CONMEBOL and OFC.

That support presents a significant challenge for any rival. Wenger would need to secure the required nominations and build enough support among FIFA’s member associations to compete with the incumbent.

The next few days could therefore determine whether Wenger enters the contest. If he does, attention will turn to whether he can translate his standing in football into support for a presidential campaign.