Arsene Wenger addresses FIFA’s abandoned World Cup investment plans
Arsene Wenger has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding Gianni Infantino’s abandoned World Cup investment plans as a leaked internal FIFA message revealed the scale of concern inside football’s governing body following one of the biggest crises of the president’s tenure, reports BritPanorama.
The former Arsenal manager welcomed the decision to scrap the proposals, while FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom sought to reassure staff after describing recent events as both “sad” and “difficult to comprehend.”
According to Sky News, an internal email was sent by Grafstrom to FIFA employees following the collapse of the controversial project, which would have seen stakes sold in a new commercial company linked to the World Cup. The internal message was sent after Infantino abandoned plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new company that would have controlled major commercial assets including World Cup broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing, and ticketing rights before selling a stake to private investors.
Grafstrom acknowledged the unrest generated by the failed plans but urged employees to remain focused on the organisation’s wider responsibilities. He wrote: “A sad and reproachable series of events – which were thankfully concluded with the FFE project permanently abandoned – for as much as we feel dismayed by them, should not overshadow this reality.”
Wenger, who now serves as FIFA’s chief of global football development, stated, “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.” Despite holding one of FIFA’s most senior football positions, Wenger stressed he had played no part in developing the proposals. He added that he “was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports.”
Pressure continues to mount on Infantino, with several football associations, including England and Wales, withdrawing support for his re-election. The proposals sparked fierce opposition across world football, triggering a growing revolt against Infantino’s leadership and prompting calls for sweeping governance reforms. Grafstrom concluded his message by thanking staff for their professionalism during a turbulent period.
As the dust settles on these events, the football community remains watchful. The push for accountability from FIFA leadership may reshape the future governance landscape of the sport, where trust must be diligently rebuilt after such upheaval.
