Several outlets report that FIFA executive Arsène Wenger supports Gianni Infantino’s decision to drop a controversial proposal connected to selling stakes or rights tied to future World Cups after a week of backlash across football. Multiple reports say Wenger, who serves as FIFA’s chief of global football development, welcomed Infantino’s move to scrap the plan. NDTV and Vanguard quote Wenger describing the scrapping of the proposal as “absolutely necessary” and “beyond question.” Other coverage highlights that Wenger’s remarks come amid criticism of the scheme and political pressure inside FIFA.
Some outlets also focus on Wenger’s response to questions about his involvement, with Al Jazeera reporting that Wenger says he was “not aware” of Infantino’s plan. Irish Independent frames the wider FIFA fallout as Infantino losing support from allies after the rights proposal collapses, while other reports describe Wenger’s statement as distancing. Across sources, the central points are that Wenger publicly backs the decision to abandon the plan and frames it as necessary, while acknowledging or clarifying his level of awareness.
