FIFA’s chief of global football development Arsene Wenger broke his silence to publicly disassociate himself from Gianni Infantino’s private equity stating that the decision to scrap it was “absolutely necessary and beyond question.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed creating a commercial subsidiary to run its main events including its World Cup which would be open to external investors.
Wenger has played a crucial role in data interpretation of the game, Fifa’s online training and youth competitions since 2019.
Infantino’s key proposal to play the men’s World Cup every two years was supported by the former Arsenal boss.
This comes a week after Infantino’s investment plan was initially released; the Frenchman released a statement through Fifa in which he demanded transparency and integrity.
Wenger’s statement reads: “The recent events at Fifa deserve some clarity from my side,”
“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.”
Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom also opposed the plan in an internal memo to staff stating that the last week had been impossible to fully measure or understand.
Notably, Grafstrom is seen as a close ally of Infantino who was elected president in 2016.
Furthermore, he said: “I urge you to remain focused on what has always united us: serving football and serving our 211 member associations, hand in hand with all relevant stakeholders and in full compliance with the Fifa statutes and Fifa regulations.”
“I assure you that as members of the administration, you will be defended and safeguarded from the political context we currently experience. You do not need to worry.”
“Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue, and that is why we should always keep our professionalism, sense of perspective and composure, Grafstrom continued.”
