Arsène Wenger, FIFA Director of Global Football Development, has supported the decision to scrap a proposal by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to sell stakes in the World Cup. The project, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, aimed to establish a company valued at approximately $20 billion.
The proposal would have offered up to 20 percent ownership to private investors to manage the commercial rights for the Men's and Women's World Cup and the Club World Cup. This included revenues from television rights, sponsors, tickets, and VIP packages.
The decision to withdraw the plan was 'absolutely necessary'
— Arsène Wenger
Pressure and Withdrawal
In late July, President Gianni Infantino offered a one-time payment of $20 million to each of the 211 FIFA members as part of the investment project, with a deadline of September 19 to accept. However, FIFA officially withdrew the entire project on August 1 following pressure from numerous associations.
The project faced opposition from UEFA, which threatened to boycott FIFA competitions in response to the proposal.
Wenger's Role at FIFA
Since 2019, Wenger's responsibilities at FIFA have included overseeing game data analysis, the FIFA online training center, youth competitions worldwide, and the development of youth football through 60 academies in 60 countries. He also serves as a technical advisor for the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
20 billion
Estimated valuation of the scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise project
Updates
In the wake of the project's cancellation, FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure as four European federations—Finland, Wales, Serbia, and Sweden—have officially withdrawn their support, and senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro has resigned in categorical opposition. Amidst these leadership challenges, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström described the project's abandonment as a
FIFA senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned on Friday in categorical opposition to the project, while Secretary General Mattias Grafström described the sequence of events as 'sad and reprehensible.' Amidst the fallout, UEFA has officially notified FIFA that it is considering legal action and has requested the preservation of electronic data from 18 executives. Furthermore, while Gianni Infantino remains the sole candidate for the 2027 presidency, four European federations—Finland, Wales, Serbia, and Sweden—have officially withdrawn their support for him.
Following the project's withdrawal, FIFA senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in opposition to the plan, while Secretary General Mattias Grafström described the situation to staff as a 'sad and reprehensible sequence of events.' Amidst the fallout, UEFA is considering legal action and has requested the preservation of communications from 18 executives, while four European federations—Finland, Wales, Serbia, and Sweden—have officially withdrawn their support for Gianni Infantino's 2027 presidency bid.
Following the project's withdrawal, FIFA advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in opposition to the plan, while Secretary General Mattias Grafström described the situation as a 'sad and reprehensible sequence of events.' Amidst growing turmoil, UEFA is considering legal action and has requested the preservation of data from 18 executives, while Concacaf and Jordanian FA President Prince Ali Al Hussein have leveled serious allegations against President Gianni Infantino regarding governance and blackmail. Additionally, four European federations—Finland, Wales, Serbia, and Sweden—have officially withdrawn their support for Infantino's upcoming reelection.
Following the project's withdrawal, FIFA advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in opposition to the plan, while Secretary General Mattias Grafström described the situation to staff as a 'reprehensible sequence of events.' Amidst the fallout, UEFA is considering legal action and has requested the preservation of electronic data from 18 executives, while Concacaf has demanded a complete overhaul of Gianni Infantino's governance. Additionally, Jordan's football association president has accused Infantino of 'blackmail,' and four European federations—Finland, Wales, Serbia, and Sweden—have withdrawn their support for the President's March 2027 re-election bid.
